online travel experience

10 of the Best Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

  With the time and expense required to travel being prohibitive to many, there are alternative ways of indulging your wanderlust – including via the burgeoning world of Virtual Reality.

(Photo: Cubicle Ninjas)

There are a huge number of VR companies all vying to create ever more unique experiences for consumers – and one of the biggest growth categories has been travel. And what better time to get a taste of exploration and adventure from the comfort of your living room, equipped only with a VR headset, than now, when travel is a luxury that many just can’t stretch to? We’ve picked out 10 of the best virtual reality travel experiences currently on the market.

So which VR headset should you go for? Our favourite is the Meta Quest 3, which launched onto the market in mid-2023 and is the successor to the Meta Quest 2. For immersive games and travel experiences, we believe the Meta Quest 3 is destined to become the leading VR headset over the coming years. It’s pretty affordable, too, and unlike other headsets, doesn’t require cords or a computer. You can purchase the Meta Quest 3 at Amazon.com.

Guided Meditation VR

Developed by Cubicle Ninjas, Guided Meditation VR is designed to bring peace, joy, and calm back into your daily life by teaching you ancient meditation practices in a cutting-edge way. It features over 40 lush environments to escape the everyday, 30-plus hours of guided meditations on anxiety, depression, maternity, resilience, sleep and zen, and hundreds of hours of calming musical audio tracks to help enhance your meditation experience. Users can also customise their sessions to their own specific preferences and needs, including the option to switch into Motion mode and gently float through beautiful vistas like you would on a lazy river, leaving the worries of your life behind before returning calmer and stronger.

PRICE £10.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

Be anywhere in the world with anyone, instantly, in this captivating game developed by Wooorld Inc. Visit hundreds of cities, architectural landmarks, natural wonders, and vacation spots in incredible 3D detail, and get tips about the best places to visit, the hidden gems, where to get the best food and all the tourist traps to avoid. You can also create your own 3D avatars with face and body tracking and test your worldly knowledge by guessing where you are after being teleported to 5 random locations, with only the landscape, flora, architecture, and road signs for clues. The game can played as collaboratively as you wish, with options to explore the world with friends and meet new people, or hop into a Solo World without any distractions.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Wooorld Inc.)

Blueplanet VR Explore

(Photo: Blueplanet VR Explore)

Highlighting sacred and fragile locations of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Blueplanet VR Explore  is a collection of remarkable places across the world. With freedom to move around and explore, the virtual reality experiences are captured in volumetric 3D with great detail and accuracy. The scenes look and feel like these places do in real life, and enable you to freely move around to enjoy and explore these remarkable, fragile, and priceless environments. Concern for the environment often comes from direct experience, and being as close as we can get to experiencing a sense of actually being there, Blueplanet can help encourage people to appreciate and protect these treasures.

PRICE £18.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

BRINK Traveler

Travel to some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders in fully immersive 3D and feel like you’re really there in this awe-inspiring game by Brink XR. Step into a scene akin to a postcard as you visit a total of 28 (with more on their way) of the most breathtaking places on Earth. In-game highlights include room-scale walkable areas in each destination, a virtual guide and assistant to learn about where you’re visiting, and the chance to shoot photos to share with friends. You can either play the game solo or with friends and family in multiplayer mode.

PRICE £11.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: BRINK XR)

National Geographic Explore VR

Created in partnership with National Geographic, a world-leading society in the fields of geography, cartography and exploration, this magical VR experience invites you to discover two of the most iconic locations on Planet Earth. Don your explorer hat and head to Antarctica for an exhilarating expedition. Navigate around icebergs in a kayak, climb a vast ice shelf and survive a snowstorm as you hunt for a lost emperor penguin colony. Visit the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru and get immersed in amazing digital reconstructions of the legendary site. Witness mummy worships, raise a cup of sacred chicha and encounter cute and furry alpacas as you match Hiram Bingham’s photographs from when he rediscovered the citadel. Be sure to take a camera as your best snaps may even make it into the prestigious National Geographic magazine.

PRICE £7.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Force Field Entertainment B.V)

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Fans of the hugely popular TV blockbuster The Walking Dead can now join the world of zombies in this new VR adventure. Travel through the ruins of New Orleans as you fight, scavenge, and survive, each day unravelling another mystery lurking within the city’s historic quarters. Encounter desperate factions and lone survivors who could be friend or foe. Whether you help others or take what you want by force, every choice you make has consequences. What kind of survivor will you be for the people of NOLA? Scavenge for anything that you can; weapons, food, tools, and clues. Be wary of the living and the dead, with spatial audio drawing attention to any loud noise. Craft makeshift gear out of scrapped material; blades, guns, medicine, and more. Test your morals and make difficult choices for yourself and others. It’s all here, bringing the small screen to life in a big way.

PRICE £29.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Skydance Interactive)

Narrated by award-winning actress Anna Friel, this trail-blazing VR series opens the door to some of the planet’s wildest environments while redefining the limits of 3D-180 cameras. Meet the humans protecting our most precious wildlife, explore the great savannahs of Kenya, discover the ancient jungles of Borneo and dive into the rich coral reefs of Raja Ampat. Encounter elephants, orangutans, manta rays and some incredible humans, all in stunning cinematic footage filmed from the air and deep into the ocean. The series was produced in partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF),

(Photo: PHORIA)

The world is your oyster with this interactive, immersive VR experience that’s designed to be played by the whole family. There’s global travel and adventure in which your friends and family can join city tours, hot air balloon rides, back-country road trips, and plenty more. Or you can simply kick back and relax, practice meditation and get back to nature – all in the company of a guide or going solo, if you prefer. Other features include photo sharing, soundtracks, a range of fun games and media customisation.

(Photo: AARP Innovation Labs)

Rome Reborn: The Pantheon

Created by Flyover Zone, an American company specialising in virtual travel applications that present the world’s most important cultural heritage sites and monuments, Rome Reborn is one of five applications that present different areas of ancient Rome. This particular one transports users over the entire ancient city, focussing on the Pantheon, perhaps the best-preserved building from antiquity. In the company of two virtual guides, you’ll get to explore the exterior forecourt and interior sanctuary of the reconstructed complex as you listen and learn about the Pantheon’s design and decoration, as well as the nature of the religious cult once housed within it.

PRICE £3.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift

(Photo: Flyover Zone Productions)

Monte Fitzroy is Argentina’s most famous mountain landmark and is even used as the logo for outdoor retailer, Patagonia. It is a place that immediately evokes a sense of adventure. At the foot of the mountain is a beautiful and remote glacial lake known as Laguna Sucia. Most people who visit Monte Fitzroy view it from a location that is much easier to access. Laguna Sucia requires a much tougher hard-to-access trail that culminates in one of the most beautiful and remote glacial lakes in existence. You are rewarded with a sense of almost meditative stillness as you approach this untouched natural amphitheatre. This VR experience utilises Pterovision, a 3D technology that integrates computational photography, 360 Video, and gaming and allows you to take off like a bird, fly around the lake, visit the waterfalls along the edge, and fly over glacial formations beneath the mountain peaks. Numerous narrations will tell you about the challenges we faced when filming in this location, as well as educate you about the geology, culture, and history.

PRICE $2.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift 

(Photo: Specterras Productions)

Gala360 – Travel & Relax

Taking you on awe-inspiring virtual adventures across the globe, Gala360 is the result of the magic touch of an array of exceptionally talented photographers who have captured their globe-trotting trips in all their glory before being rendered into VR form. In professional 6K resolution, more than 300 tours around the world are featured, with some also including narration which allows you to listen to the stories behind the trips. Most of the tours are free, but you can pay a small fee to unlock more.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Go (soon available on Quest 2)

(Photo: Gala 360)

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60 Virtual Tours To Travel The World During The Coronavirus Pandemic

• Written by Post author: Chloe Smulian
• Post last modified: Updated on April 2, 2024

A comprehensive list of free virtual tours that will intrigue and delight all types of travel lovers. Discover the Seven Wonders of the World, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites and iconic landmarks around the world from the comfort of your home! Experience your first virtual travel experience with us.

With extensive travel bans, citywide lockdowns and strict social distancing measures, it’s hard not to eventually let cabin fever weigh you down. This is especially true if you’ve got a healthy addiction to travel like us. So we’ve found a way around the problem – virtual travel!

Obviously it doesn’t replace the real thing, but it’s better than nothing. It’s also a great way to get travel inspiration and learn some interesting facts about the destination until we can travel again.

It will give you something positive to look forward to while we all do the responsible thing and #stayhome. Treat it like Facetiming the world!

It’s also a great thing to do with kids at home. They’ll especially love the wildlife live webcam feeds! This list is guaranteed to keep them occupied for days if not weeks!

So whether you love city escapes, exploring museums or learning interesting facts about the natural and man-made wonders around the world, there’s something for everyone.

Make sure you share this with your friends and family who love travelling too.

What Do You Need To Virtual Travel The World

Virtual touring the world is easy. All you need is a laptop, cellphone or tablet and an internet connection. You don’t need a VR set (virtual reality set), but if you have one it’s a bonus.

We recommend using Google Chrome web browser because some of these virtual tour websites are not in English. Chrome makes it really easy translating foreign languages to English or whatever language you prefer.

Lastly, have a little patience as some of these virtual tours take a bit longer to load.

New Seven Wonders Of The World Virtual Tour

Everyone’s heard of the Seven Wonders of the World. But did you know that there are two different lists for the 7 Wonders of the World?

No? We didn’t either. The list most people know is the New Seven Wonders of the World. But there’s also the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World.

Are you one of the those rare humans that can list all New 7 Wonders of the World?

1. Great Wall of China

Often cited as the only human-made structure that is visible from space. The Great Wall of China is probably the most well known Wonder of the World. It captures over 2,000 years of history and stretches more than 21,000 km across several provinces in China. That’s as long as 5 times the length of Australia!

This iconic landmark is usually teemed with tourists all year round. But you can visit it crowd-free on this Great Wall of China virtual tour.

2. Chichen Itza, Mexico

The ancient city of Chichen Itza is one of the most well restored Mayan sites in Mexico and also its biggest tourist attraction. El Castillo may be the most famous pyramid of Chichen Itza, but there are many other ancient ruins to explore.

If you love astronomy, you’ll love learning how each structure was intricately designed to align with specific planets and stars. Sounds fascinating?

You can virtually tour Chichen Itza and explore some of its most popular sites and facts right from the comfort of your own home.

3. Christ The Redeemer, Brazil

The cultural icon of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and a symbol of Christianity across the world. The Christ The Redeemer statue is the largest art deco statue in the world. It stands 38 meters tall (around 13 storeys high) and stretches 28 meters wide.

It was built by the Roman Catholic community of Brazil following the end of World War I. The community was concerned about the growing ‘godlessness’ when Brazil officially became a republic and the church was officially separated from the state.

You can skip the 200+ step climb to the top on this stunning virtual tour of Cristo Redentor .

4. Petra, Jordan

Also known as the ‘Carved City’ or the ‘Lost City’, Petra is known as one of the oldest cities in the world. It is estimated that the city was established in the 4th century (312 BC) but was only discovered by Western civilisation in the 1800s.

Only 15% of Petra has been explored by archaeologists, so not much is known besides it being home to about 800 tombs.

It’s simply one of those places that you have to see to believe that it exists in real life. Petra is still on our travel bucket list, but this virtual tour is probably one of our favourites!

5. Taj Mahal, India

One look at the Taj Mahal and it’s easy to see why it’s a wonder. It’s considered to be one of the most magnificent masterpieces of architecture in the world. Besides that, it’s also a symbol of love. Don’t believe us? See the Taj Mahal in VR for yourself.

The emperor built it in remembrance of his third wife who passed away giving birth to their 14th child. Today the couple remains buried together beneath the main inner chamber of the Taj Mahal.

It took more than 22,000 workers, 1,000 elephants and 22 years to build this incredible structure. Now there are concerns that it will crumble into pieces as its wooden foundations are rotting away.

6. Rome Colosseum, Italy

Did you know that Italy has the most number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world? There are a total of 51 World Heritage sites within Italy of which the Colosseum is the most famous.

Historically, the Colosseum was a place where gladiator fights and executions took place in Ancient Rome. Today it stands as a symbol of power and majesty of the Roman Empire. It’s also one of the most popular tourists attraction in the world.

7. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is famous for being the Lost City of the Incas. It is believed that this is where the Incas escaped to when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century.

Besides its historical significance, Machu Picchu also showcases the Incas’ incredible mastery of stone. The stones used to construct some of the most beautiful structures in Machu Picchu were cut so precisely and wedged so closely together, that a credit card cannot be inserted between them.

Not only was this more aesthetically pleasing, it also has engineering advantages. The stones were designed to bounce through earthquake tremors and fall back into place. This was only possible because no mortar (or cement) was used and the reason why Machu Picchu still stands today.

Virtual Tours of Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Top unesco sites in africa.

8. The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the most famous landmarks around the world. Its sheer colossal size and perfect symmetry makes you wonder how this world icon was constructed more than 4,500 years ago.

Today, the Pyramids of Giza are the only surviving members of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World.

9. Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes in the world and also home to Africa’s highest mountain.

If you love hiking as much as we do, then Kilimanjaro is probably on your bucket list too. Close to 35,000 people attempt to hike Mount Kilimanjaro every year. But only 40% of them successfully reach the summit and around 5 to 15 people die every year attempting it.

There isn’t a proper virtual tour of Kilimanjaro , but you can get some awesome 360 panoramic views using Google Map street views. Just drag the little yellow man to the circles on the map to ‘explore’ the area.

Save Me For Later

10. Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa

Not only is the Drakensberg Mountains a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, it’s also a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Drakensberg is culturally significant because it hides more than 20,000 San rock paintings inside its nooks and crevices.

These rock paintings are important because they represent the earliest form of human creativity. They also symbolise the beginning of art in the world today.

We’ve had the privilege of hiking the Drakensberg Mountains when we lived in South Africa. If you plan to hike it too, make sure you read our top Drakensberg hiking trails of the Royal Natal National Park . We also share tips on how you can hike the Drakensberg with children .

Since that’s not possible right now, you can enjoy the magnificence of the Drake nsberg on this beautiful virtual tour.

Top UNESCO Sites in Asia

11. Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan is known as the ‘sea of temples’ because it has the largest concentration of Buddhist temples in the world. There were originally 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries built here in the 1000s and 1100s. But only 2,000 of them still exist today.

Needless to say that the entire Bagan Archaeological zone is too vast to explore by foot alone. You can compliment your walk with a ride on old rickety bicycles, hot balloon rides or on this mind blowing virtual tour of Bagan .

12. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is famous for being the largest religious monument in the world. Yes, it’s even bigger than Bagan! Before the fall of Angkor Wat in the 15th century, it was actually the largest city in the world.

Unlike Bagan, most of Angkor Wat still exists today. It was built with durability in mind because it was designed and dedicated to the immortal gods.

13. Terracotta Army, China

This World Heritage Site isn’t a temple, but a mass grave. It’s the burial ground for the First Emperor of China and his world renowned Terracotta Army.

No one knows exactly how many terracotta warriors were made. But it’s been estimated that more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses were sculpted. And if that wasn’t amazing enough, each soldier has its own distinct facial features and were all built to life-size.

It took around 40 years to ‘build’ the entire army and its sole purpose was for protecting the emperor in his afterlife.

You can wander between these soldiers yourselves on this Terracotta Warrior virtual tour.

Top UNESCO Sites in Europe

14. Acropolis of Athens, Greece

‘Acropolis’ translates into ‘high city’ in Greek. Most cities in ancient Greece had their city centres built on a mound or a hill. This is where they would build their important temples and where citizens could retreat to if under attack.

The most famous acropolis of Greece is, of course, the one in Athens with the iconic Pantheon dominating its skyline. The Acropolis of Athens has withstood the test of time, including bombardments, earthquakes and vandalism. Yet it still stands today as a reminder of the rich history of Greece.

15. Stonehenge, United Kingdom

Also known as the Bronze Age Ring of Standing Stones, Stonehenge is one of the UK’s most unique sites and visited attractions. It’s a prehistoric monument steeped in all kinds of myth and speculation because no one knows its true origin or purpose.

Some believe that Stonehenge was a Druid temple, built by ancient Celtic pagans as a centre for their religious worship. Others believe it to have astronomical significance as the light from sunrise and sunset aligns with the stones during summer and winter solstice.

Why don’t you decide for yourself based on the interesting facts you’ll learn on this Stonehenge virtual tour.

Top UNESCO Sites in North and South America

16. Mesa Verde National Park, USA

Mesa Verde is the largest and one of the most spectacular archeological sites in the USA. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it encapsulates how Native Americans once lived by carving their homes into the cliff.

It’s one of the most well preserved ruins of the Ancestral Pueblo people in North America and you can virtually explore Mesa Verde right from the comfort of your own home.

17. Mayan Ruins of Tikal, Guatemala

At first glance, the Mayan Ruins of Tikal appears to be quite similar to the ruins of Chichen Itza. They were both major cities in the history of the Mayan civilisation and are both declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The biggest difference between the two is that Tikal is less visited and often less crowded compared to the more popular Chichen Itza. That’s because Tikal is located in the remote Guatemalan forests whereas Chichen Itza is much easier to access.

Some areas of Tikal remain unmapped or excavated too. So if you love hidden gems, make sure you visit the Mayan Ruins of Tikal , even if it’s only by virtual tour for now.

18. Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island is a Chilean island in the south Pacific Ocean. It’s famous for its 900+ giant statues known as Moais, which are scattered around the entire island.

It is believed that the Rapa Nui natives built these Moais to honour chieftains and important individuals from their village. They believed that by doing this, the spirit of the person would forever watch over the tribe and bring good fortune.

Today, Easter Island is believed to be the most remote inhabited island in the world. That’s why it’s also very expensive to get to. But have no fear, you can admire Easter Island virtually until then.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings Around the World

Some of the most iconic and recognised landmarks and buildings around the world that you can explore for free from home.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in USA

19. The White House, United States

Anyone can visit the White House free of charge. But you have to register and request a tour online and wait between 3 weeks to 3 months to visit. Skip the wait on this White House virtual tour.

20. Statue of Liberty, USA

More than 130 years ago, France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States to celebrate the friendship the two endured during the American Revolution. Today it represents freedom and democracy in the USA.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in the United Kingdom

21. Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom

The official residence of The Queen and a must-visit when in London. Skip the long 3 month wait and the €30 entrance ticket and see Buckingham Palace virtually.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in Italy

22. The Vatican, Italy

Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the seat of government. More than 5 million people come to Rome every year to feast their eyes on the prized paintings and sculptures of the Vatican and to experience the most religious and cultural site in the world. Check out youvisit.com/tour/vatican for the tour.

23. Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most recognised landmarks in the world. The intention was to build the tallest bell tower for that era in order to show off Pisa’s growing wealthy and prosperity. The ‘leaning’ part of the equation was actually an engineering mistake.

24. Doge’s Palace, Venice

More than a 1,000 years ago, Doge’s Palace was the home to the ruler of Venice and the seat of power for the Venetian Republic. Today it is one of Venice’s must-see museums. Wander around the corridors of the Doge’s Palace or along one of its many surrounding canals on this beautiful virtual tour.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in Germany

25. Reichstag Parliamentary Building, Berlin

The Reichstag is one of the most important buildings in Berlin today. Built to symbolise the reunification of Germany. It’s one of the few parliamentary buildings in the world that allows the public to watch over government processions. Similar to the White House, it’s free to visit but you have to book months in advance for a tour. Wait no more as this virtual tour of the Reichstag is pretty awesome.

Wondering how travelling in Berlin and Germany has changed since COVID? Find out what it’s like to visit Berlin during the coronavirus pandemic .

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in France

26. Palace of Versailles, France

Did you know that the Palace of Versailles was a mere hunting lodge before it became the world’s largest palace? It’s one of the most important landmarks in French history because it symbolises the power and downfall of the French monarchy.

Explore its opulent, regal interior and admire its intricate details on this Palace of Versailles virtual tour.

27. The Louvre Museum, Paris

The Louvre use to serve as the royal palace for the French monarchy. It only became an art museum after the royal family moved their residence to Versailles. Today it is the world’s largest art museum and an iconic historical monument in Paris.

28. The Catacombs of Paris, France

It’s no coincidence that the word ‘catacombs’ rhymes with ‘tombs’. The Catacombs of Paris is the world’s largest underground burial site. The city was growing too fast for its cemeteries to handle the bodies of the dead. The solution was to move the bodies and bury them underground. Archaeologists estimate that around 6 to 7 million bodies were buried down there. Creepy…

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in Israel

29. The Holyland, Bethlehem and Jerusalem

Also known as the most sacred place on earth. It is here at The Holyland that the main religious faiths believe that God first entered into a relationship with the human race.

Virtual Tours of Top Natural Wonders and Attractions

30. Niagara Falls , Canada – see live video feeds of these world famous falls on EarthCam.

31. The Northern Lights , Canada – another great live webcam to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Remember to watch this in the evening Canadian time.

32. Victoria Falls , Zambia – a magnificent virtual tour of the world’s largest waterfall.

33. Sahara Desert , Africa – explore the world’s largest desert without getting sand in your eyes.

34. Mount St Helens , USA – travel back in time and witness the day Mount St Helens erupted back in 1980.

35. Mount Everest , Himalayas – the only way to trek the world’s highest mountain without training is going on this virtual tour. Remember to click on the arrows to explore around.

36. Cliffs of Moher , Ireland – discover the most beautiful natural landscapes of Ireland on this gorgeous virtual tour.

37. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , USA – one of our favourite virtual tours from the whole list. Not only is it mesmerising, but you can also learn so many interesting facts on this tour.

38. Grand Canyon , USA – enjoy a virtual hike and explore one of the most famous national parks in the USA.

39. Yellowstone National Park , USA – a nature lover’s paradise. Make sure you use Google Chrome for this tour.

40. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park , China – otherwise known as ‘Avatar Mountain’. The mesmerising, otherworldly landscapes that inspired the ‘floating mountains’ in one of our favourite movies, Avatar.

41. Galapagos Islands , Ecuador – A scuba diver and nature lover’s idea of paradise! This is right on the top of our travel bucket list.

42. Raja Ampat , Indonesia – The epitome of utopia. Hundreds of jungle-covered islands as far as the eye can see and some of the best beaches, coral reefs and scuba diving spots in the world.

Virtual Tours From The Top: City Skylines

43. New York Skyline – New York, New York! Head up to the 102th floor of the Empire State Building on this virtual tour and admire the city that never sleeps from above.

44. Tokyo Skytree , Japan – Teleport yourself to the highest structure in Tokyo and admire the vibrant capital city of Japan from the top. We hope you aren’t afraid of heights because the Tokyo Skytree is 634 meters tall which is more than double the height of the Eiffel Tower.

45. The Eiffel Tower , Paris – Head to the top deck of the Eiffel Tower and marvel at the City of Love on this breathtaking virtual tour.

46. The Peak , Hong Kong – Ever heard the phrase ‘A New York minute is a Hong Kong second’ before? Discover one of the most populous and expensive cities in the world from its highest peak. When you’re ready to visit Hong Kong in person, make sure you read our 7 tips to travel Hong Kong on a budget before you go.

47. St Paul’s Cathedral , London – Admire London’s epic skyline from the top of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Free Virtual Museum Tours

You should download the Google Arts and Culture app to your phone if you’re a museum lover. You’ll find tons of stunning virtual tours and interesting things to learn from the arts and culture world. Here are some of our favourite free virtual museum tours.

48. The British Museum , London – The famous British Museum is dedicated to human history, art and culture. Their permanent collection consists of more than 8 million pieces of artwork. Making it one of the largest and most comprehensive compilations in the world.

49. Musée d’Orsay , Paris – If you love French art whether that’s paintings, sculptures, furniture or photography, you’ll love the Musée d’Orsay Museum.

50. Pergamon Museum , Berlin – Explore one of the largest and most visited museums in Germany. The Pergamon Museum is known for its antiquity collection and Islamic and Middle Eastern artworks.

If you love history and want to learn more about the story behind the Berlin Wall like why it was famous and so important. We’ve explained it simply (i.e. Story of the Berlin Wall for dummies) in our Berlin Wall by Bike guide.

51. Rijksmuseum , Amsterdam – The national museum of the Netherlands that holds some of the world’s most famous artworks from artists like Vermeer and Rembrandt.

52. Van Gogh Museum , Amsterdam – Another jewel from Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum needs no introduction.

53. The Metropolitan Museum of Art , New York – Also known as The Met. This is one of the largest museums in the world. You can easily spend days if not weeks here admiring everything from antiquities, paintings, sculptures to modern art and fashion. A museum that has something for everyone.

Live Webcam Feeds for Wildlife Watching and Scuba Diving

We saved the best for last. Watch wildlife and underwater sea life from home via live webcam feeds! If you didn’t know you could do that, now you know.

54. Tau Game Lodge in Madikwe , South Africa – The beautiful Madikwe Game Reserve is located on the edge of the South African border close to Gaborone, Botswana. They have a 24 hour live webcam looking over one of the water reservoirs where the animals come to drink.

55. Kruger National Park , South Africa – Have you always dreamt of going on safari? Wait no more! WildEarth is hosting daily safari rides, twice a day so you can see some of South Africa’s most beautiful wildlife live with their awesome rangers! This is definitely one of our favourite wildlife webcam feeds! Support WildEarth with a donation if you can during these difficult times.

56. African River Wildlife, Kenya – There are more than 10 live webcam feeds here so you’re spoilt for choice. Head over to Explore.org and enjoy ‘Facetiming’ these amazing creatures.

57. Virtual Dives with National Marine Sanctuaries – Discover the underwater world with virtual scuba diving! There’s a host of coral reefs waiting for you to explore. Just click on the video and use your mouse or VR set to look around.

58. Underwater Cave Diving – Even certified scuba divers like us are not allowed to explore underwater caves without the right technical qualifications and training. So whether you’re a scuba diver or not, you’ll most definitely enjoy this cave scuba diving virtual tour.

Want to learn how to scuba dive? Check out our Beginners Scuba Diving guide where we share how you can save time and money getting certified.

59. Georgia Aquarium – ‘FaceTime’ with the residents of Georgia Aquarium via their live webcams. See sea lions, puffer fish and even the elusive beluga whale.

60. Monterey Bay Aquarium – Another amazing aquarium with an array of live webcams. Spy on sea otters, jellyfish, penguins and even turtles and sharks.

Virtual Tours: How To Travel For Free From Home

We had a lot of fun looking for different ways to ‘travel’ the world from home. We hope you enjoyed your first experience of ‘armchair travel’. We’d love to hear which one was your favourite.

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The 12 Best Virtual Vacations You Can Take Without Traveling

While recent events may have kept us off planes and, well, on our couch, travel still remains one of the best ways to demonstrate our global interconnectedness and humanity. So for now, because we are all in this together (and separately from our individual couches), we’ll have to be armchair voyagers as we explore museums, libraries, and historical, religious, and cultural sites. Learning and discovery don’t have to stop. Keep reading to find out about the best virtual vacations from the comfort—and safety—of your own home.

Have a Virtual Adventure at the Grand Canyon

The National Park Service does more than educate sightseers in person when they visit any of the 61 national parks. You can view the Grand Canyon via 360-degree photographs on an archeology virtual tour, go on a virtual hike past layers of earth to the famous Phantom Ranch, or float down the Colorado River on a rafting trip.

Online: View virtual tours, maps, and photographs through the National Park System’s website.

See Llamas at Machu Picchu

Wendy Altschuler

High in the Peruvian Andes mountains sits Machu Picchu , an ancient citadel built in the 15th century. A visit here will reward you with stunning mountain views, llama sightings, and great hikes throughout olden ruins.

Online: Visit the citadel online through a 360-degree virtual tour , provided by You Visit.

Wander Through the Sistine Chapel in Italy

Located in the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel is famous for the Renaissance frescos that brighten up the interior. In person, when open to the public, The Sistine Chapel is crowded, and it can be difficult to view all of the artwork. A virtual tour is not only a great way to appreciate the chapel without the interference of too many people, but you can also see the gardens, Pontifical Villas, and Vatican City museums.

Online: See the Vatican grounds, including the Sistine Chapel , by clicking on arrows to move up, down, left and right throughout each tour. You’ll also be able to zoom in to get a better look at the paintings.

Visit the Land of Creation

Jerusalem is home to three monolithic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is one of the most notable locations in Jerusalem . Located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City in Israel, this religious site is said to be where Jesus was crucified, where his empty tomb is located, and where he is believed to have been resurrected.

Online: Experience 360-degree virtual tours of Jerusalem, including The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Western Wall, Old City markets, Mount of Olives, and much more via Samsung XL.

Tour the White House

Visiting Washington, D.C. , is inadvisable right now, but you can still go on a virtual tour of the White House . See the Eisenhower Executive Office Building positioned next to the West Wing where White House Staff offices are located. Click through a 360-degree view of the Vice President’s Ceremonial Office, the Secretary of War Suite, the War Library/The Law Library, and The Indian Treaty Room. Learn about how the art and décor of the White House has changed with each Presidential occupancy. You’ll have the opportunity to view the Entrance Hall, Cross Hall, East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, State Dining Room, Vermeil Room, China Room, East Garden Room, and more.

Online: Google Arts & Culture offers a wide variety of virtual reality tours.

Visit the Guggenheim Museum in New York City

 Courtesy of The Guggenheim Museum

New York City’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is one of the most stunning Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structures in the country. The white spiral ramp in the interior takes you from the bottom to the top in an organized and visually pleasing way.

Online: Google Arts & Culture will lead you through the museum’s multiple floors, highlighting 600 artworks along the way. You’ll be able to zoom in and out and rotate your view 360 degrees.

Understand the Natural World in Washington, D.C.

TripSavvy / Victoria Chamberlain

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History , home to 125 million artifacts, is one of the most-visited natural history institutions on the planet. Visit the exhibits—permanent, current, and past—from your desktop or mobile device on a virtual tour. You’ll be able to click on blue arrows as you navigate through each exhibit, located on the ground, first, or second floors. Be patient as pages load and click on camera icons to get a close-up view of a particular object.

Online: The museum’s website showcases a wide variety of exhibits via virtual tours.

Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in New York City

If you’ve never been to New York City, then the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration on Ellis Island are likely high on your travel wishlist. Both islands, which are part of the same National Park System, are worth exploring. Go on a virtual tour of Ellis Island to see where more than 40 percent of Americans can find family history and climb inside of the Statue of Liberty.

Online: The National Park Service has virtual tours of Ellis Island , created by Heritage Documentation Programs, and the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Scholastic also has an informative Teacher’s Activity Guide that will allow you to see photos, listen to audio, and learn about Ellis Island on an interactive tour.

Smile Back at Mona Lisa in Paris

kwanchai_k photograph / Getty Images

The Louvre in Paris is the largest art museum on the planet, home to more than 35,000 displayed works, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. While this historic museum is usually congested, especially on the weekends, you can visit virtually, from the comfort of your own home, and see the museum’s most impressive works. If nothing else, this online experience can be valuable research for when you travel to Paris in the future.

Online: Immerse yourself in the museum’s galleries and exhibits via virtual reality. See Egyptian antiques, the Louvre’s moat, and, of course, Mona Lisa’s smile. The museum’s website also has a number of videos that you can watch to get a better understanding of the museum’s art. Note: You’ll have to download Flash Player. You Visit also has a great 360-degree virtual reality display of several museum galleries.

Witness the Treasures of England’s British Museum

 TripSavvy / Gautier Houba 

Home to the Rosetta Stone, Greek vases, Egyptian mummies, an Easter Island statue, an Aztec double-headed serpent sculpture, and n umerous other artifacts and artworks , the British Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. See impressive examples of human history, art, and culture through a virtual tour.

Online: See the British Museum via Google, where you can navigate a timeline to view specific artifacts.

Learn About Amsterdam’s History and Culture at The Rijksmuseum

Merten Snijders /  GettyImages

The Rijksmuseum is one of the most visited museums in Amsterdam, and for good reason. See works from the Dutch Golden Age by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Ruisdael, Steen, and more. The building itself is also a work of art and worth viewing through virtual reality.

Online: Virtual tours, of the interior as well as the exterior, are available through Google Arts & Culture.

360° Panoramic Creations:

We create high-quality stabilized video having 8k and 4k resolution, 48 or 24 frames per second together with high-quality post-processing. Videos are supported by the most advanced technologies, such as virtual reality headsets (including Samsung Gear VR), different electronic devices and YouTube channels.

We use different types of moving and fixed objects (tripods, monopods, cars, helicopters, building cranes, etc.) to record videos. For aerial shooting we usually use drones with fully gyro-stabilized unique suspension. Panoramic video covers up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.

360° videos are available in any format you choose: .mp4, .avi, .mov, etc. All the videos are made and kept in frames, making it possible to encode them into any available format and bitrate with the resolution up to 8k.

360° PHOTOGRAPHY

Our team creates high-quality 360° photo-panoramas with 35000x17500 pixels resolution (in the equidistant projection) and carries out professional post-processing and corrections of any complexity. We develop virtual tours which are suitable for all browsers, support both Flash and HTML5 technologies and are compatible with different mobile devices and virtual reality headsets (including Samsung Gear VR).

We use different types of moving and fixed objects (tripods, monopods, cars, helicopters, building cranes, etc.) to record videos. For aerial shooting we usually use drones with the fully gyro-stabilized unique suspension. Panoramic video covers up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.

Ready 360° photo-panoramas cover up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.

Info-points (description buttons that can be placed in the panorama), embedded pictures, video and audio can be added to the virtual tour.

360° GIGAPANORAMA

Our team creates high-quality 360° photo-panoramas with resolution from 1 to 3 gigapixel and carries out professional post-processing and corrections of any complexity. We develop virtual tours which are suitable for all browsers, support both Flash and HTML5 technologies and are compatible with different mobile devices and virtual reality glasses (including Samsung Gear VR).

Info-points (description buttons that can be placed in the panorama), embedded pictures, video and audio can be added to the ready virtual tour.

360° TIMELAPSE

We can make panoramic timelapses with the given viewing angle and resolution up to 12k with professional post-processing and without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle. 360° timelapses are supported by the most advanced technologies, such as virtual reality glasses (including Samsung Gear VR), different electronic devices and YouTube channels.

360° timelapses are available in any format you choose: .mp4, .avi, .mov, etc. All the timelapses are made and kept in frames, making it possible to encode them into any available format and bitrate with the resolution up to 12K.

Content sales:

VIRTUAL TOURS

On the basis of 360° panoramas we create virtual tours of any complexity, branded with logos and design elements of the company’s website together with embedding interactive elements, such as photos, slideshows, videos, descriptions, switch-points to other panoramas, audio descriptions, 3D sounds.

Our clients receive a fully functional virtual tour developed in HTML5 and supported by any computer or mobile device (iOS, Android, Windows Phone).

360° Photo    Price List

STOCK PHOTOS

For almost 10 years of travelling around the world our team has gathered an extensive stock of pictures, taken from both flying devices and the ground.

Any picture presented at our stock can be licensed for any kind of possible use. We can also offer the photos of ultra-high quality (the longer side up to 103,000 pixels).

You can also take a look at the spherical panoramas published on the website www.airpano.ru . Any of the 360° panoramas represented on the website can be converted into a printed image of very high quality.

Photogallery    Price List

STOCK 360° VIDEOS

By filming 360° video since 2011, our team has gathered an extensive stock of clips, taken from both flying devices and the ground.

Any video presented on our website can be licensed for any kind of possible use.

360° videos are available in any format you choose: .mp4, .avi, .mov, etc. All the videos are made and kept in frames, making it possible to encode them into any available format and bitrate.

360° Video    Price List

APPLICATIONS

We are one of the software developers of applications based on 360° photos and videos. Currently, there are 7 applications in our portfolio. One of them was top-rated in 84 countries and listed among the best applications of the year 2014 according to App Store.

These applications can also be used for demonstration of panoramic content with the help of virtual reality devices, such as Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard and analogues.

Exhibition installations:

EXHIBITION INSTALLATIONS

AirPano team has the experience of creating panoramic cinemas and video-walls, making it possible to demonstrate our panoramic content at different kinds of events, exhibitions and in museums. The size is only defined by the premises, the quality of projector and the dimensions of plasma screens. Such solutions usually make a deep impression on visitors.

The control is carried out by a tablet or Kinect devices.

TOUCH SCREENS

We are ready to create applications with panoramic content working on touch screens of any size. Both AirPano panoramas and the client’s material can be the basis for this kind of software.

We create virtual tours of any complexity, branded with logos and design elements of the company’s website together with embedding interactive elements, such as photos, slideshows, videos, descriptions, switch-points to other panoramas, audio descriptions, 3D sounds.

VR HEADSETS

Our virtual tours and 360° videos are supported by all the types of virtual reality headsets (VR): Google Cardboard, Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, Sony Morpheus and others.

We can also develop special software for operating on Samsung Gear VR, if required.

AirPano in cooperation with Polden Studio carries out the installation of the binocular usage of the client’s or our own content. With the help of binoculars, the client can present the panoramic content at different kinds of events, exhibitions and in museums. This kind of devices usually attract a lot of visitors and leave a deep impression on them.

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At Discover Live , we understand the unique challenges and aspirations of today's explorers. Travelling is a passion, a dream, and sometimes a necessity.

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DISCOVER LIVE whisks you away on premier virtual tours to incredible locales across the globe. Since 2017, we've transported tens of thousands to over 200 destinations spanning six continents - all through LIVE HD video (e.g. Zoom, WebEx, Teams, etc.). Our experts guide you through lush rainforests, down bustling city streets, and into vibrant cultural celebrations. DISCOVER LIVE partners with top organizations to create unforgettable team building , DEI cultural training , education, and older adults social enrichment experiences. Treat yourself, your team, or loved ones to a private adventure or join a shared tour . With DISCOVER LIVE's immersive experiences, you don't just watch - you dive into the sights, sounds, flavors, and spirit of a place. Ditch the airport hassle, skip the jet lag, and LET US BRING THE WORLD TO YOU!

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14 ways to travel the world without leaving your sofa

Have you been stuck inside for weeks? Us too.

Though some destinations are cautiously lifting travel restrictions and people are learning to navigate a new version of normal, it's safe to say this Memorial Day weekend — typically one of the biggest weekends for travel of the year — will look a little different.

If you're staying home this holiday weekend , it's a great time to start planning your next real-life adventure . And, in the meantime, we rounded up some of our favorite ways to travel the world without leaving the comfort of your home. So, break out your comfiest sweats and buckle up for your next virtual trip.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Celebrate summer at Stonehenge

Stonehenge boasts some of the most popular summer solstice celebrations on Earth, a magical event you'll just have to see to believe. And while you probably won't be able to visit in person this year, the show must still go on.

You'll be able to livestream the summer solstice at Stonehenge this summer. Just tune in to the English Heritage Facebook account , where they'll be broadcasting the sunset on June 20 at 9:26 p.m. BST and sunrise on June 21 at 4:52 a.m. BST. They'll be live for at least 30 minutes before sunrise and sunset — and no matter where you are in the world, you can join in on the fun.

Discover a museum

Iconic museums from the Guggenheim in New York City to the Louvre in Paris are available through Google Arts & Culture, a platform that allows you to take digital tours of some of the world's most famous museums. You can browse through all the available museums , and even see some of the most famous pieces of art up close . Historic sites, such as the Palace of Versailles, are also available to tour through Google. The best part? Access is 100% free.

If you want something that sparks your inner child (or keeps your actual children occupied), you're in luck. The Children's Museum of Houston is sharing do-it-yourself experiments, as well as activities and behind-the-scenes exhibit content on YouTube , Instagram and Twitter . You can make a cardboard kazoo, listen to story time and even learn about how the water cycle works. This is a surefire way to pass the time if you've found yourself suddenly homeschooling your kids .

Read more: No travel required: 10 iconic museums you can tour online

Take a cooking class

Is there anything better than having a home-cooked meal from an Italian grandma? We don't think so. While Italy will start to reopen to tourists in early June , you can still get your fix of some incredible Italian cooking before your next trip there, whenever it may be.

Nonna Nerina, an 84-year-old Italian grandmother in Palombara Sabina, Italy, has set up a virtual cooking class on Airbnb Experiences. Here , she'll virtually teach you how to make Italian classics such as ravioli, gnocchi and fettuccine. Just note that she only teaches classes on weekends; the weekday classes are taught by her granddaughter. Plus, if you enter your email, you can get 25% off the class for a limited time. Better yet, the classes are on sale, too. For example, her class usually costs $100 but is just $60 right now.

Related: How to plan a bucket list trip to Italy with points and miles

Go on a ride at Disney

The magic isn't over just because most Disney parks remain closed . You can stream virtual Disney rides from parks around the world, from Florida to France , in the comfort of your own home. How's that for a bargain on a Disney vacation ?

Related: How to take your kids on virtual Disney rides around the world

Explore parks and attractions

Take a trip to the great outdoors from, well, indoors. You can virtually explore national parks and famous attractions around the country, all courtesy of Google Arts & Culture . Think: the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and Alcatraz Island. Better yet, they're all accessible for free and you won't have to wait in a single line.

Google Earth can even help you enjoy the cherry blossom blooms around the world, though the season has passed. From the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade in Tokyo to the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. , there's something for everyone here. You could easily spend hours taking virtual tours.

Visit a botanic garden

A handful of botanic gardens around the country are also offering virtual tours for travelers to enjoy. The indoor conservatory at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., for example, is temporarily closed to the public. In the meantime, though, you can take a virtual tour of the gardens and soak in all of the beautiful scenery.

Join an art class

A handful of universities are hosting free, virtual art classes , according to Artsy, and many have a global perspective. You can study the history of Japan through images or discover ancient Egyptian art and antiquities. You know what they say: If you can't travel, you might as well spend a few hours every week looking at pictures of places you wish you were. Right?

Listen to live music

Did coronavirus derail your plans to travel to a major musical event like South by Southwest (SXSW), the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival or Coachella?

Fortunately, a number of bands and musicians are performing "couch tours," as many of their concerts were canceled. Acording to NPR , travelers can also catch live, virtual jazz performances, electronic festivals, classical concerts and more.

Instead of watching the annual National Memory Day Concert from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, for example, you can catch the event (and a performance from the National Symphony Orchestra) online at 8 p.m. Billboard also highlighted concerts by the Dropkick Murphys (performing to an empty Fenway Park on May 29 at 6 p.m.), and a livestream performance by David Guetta from New York on May 30 at 7 p.m.

Watch a movie

Give yourself a much-needed break from all the craziness out there and curl up on the sofa with one of these feel-good and wanderlust-worthy films this weekend. Some of our top picks include "Eat, Pray, Love" and "Mamma Mia" — but there are plenty of classic flicks and television series to choose from.

Anthony Bourdain's famous documentary, "Parts Unknown," is coming back to Netflix on June 1. The only catch? It will only be available in the U.K. and Ireland. Here's hoping it's a good sign, though, and will be available to stream in the U.S. and rest of the world soon.

Related: Stuck at home? Stream these 12 movies to cope with travel wanderlust

Live like a royal for the day

Put on your crown and get ready to take a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace . You can take a peek at the Throne Room, Grand Staircase, White Drawing Room and more. The entire palace isn't up for viewing, but it's certainly enough to keep you occupied for hours.

Related: Using points and miles to get to London

Take a trip to the beach

In need of some sunlight and vitamin D? Enjoy the sun and sand in St. Lucia. All you have to do is go to @TravelSaintLucia 's Instagram Live to take part. Every Tuesday and Thursday, they go live and show off things like the island's beautiful sunsets, rainforests and more. You might be so inspired, you book a trip there when the island nation reopens to Americans on June 4.

Another option? The beautiful island of Bermuda is also hosting a daily livestream . Put on some Jimmy Buffet, make yourself a piña colada and enjoy your makeshift beach day.

Learn a magic trick

Airbnb recently began offering virtual "travel" experiences, so you can book online activities from around the world right at home.

For just $20, you can take a magic class with Martin, a Guinness World Record-holding magician based in Berkhamsted, U.K. His class will show you magic tricks you can perform with everyday objects, such as playing cards, phones, rings, money, sweets and even fire. Prepare for some mind-reading, too, as well as the psychology that turns a trick into magic. The class is an hour and a half long, and availability is open through the end of June.

Make Portuguese tapas

Another Airbnb Experience that's sure to please? This Portuguese tapas class . You'll learn how to make popular dishes such as tuna paté and açorda alentejana — and of course, plenty of sangria. The host, Joana, spent 10 years teaching hotel management before opening her own restaurant in Lisbon. The class costs $17 per person and is available through September.

Related: Vacation rental guests and hosts are all feeling the cancellation crunch .

Hang out with wild animals

OK, so you might not be hanging out with real penguins in real life. But for only $12, you can spend an hour learning about the history of African penguins , as well as some little-known facts and insights. You can even build your own penguins from items lying around the house. Your host, Jon, is based in Cape Town, South Africa and his class is sure to be a hit with the whole family. You can check out even more of these virtual experiences here .

The 12 Best Free Virtual Travel Experiences Worth Checking Out

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The Only 4 iPhone Photo Editing Apps You'll Ever Need

These are the 5 pc upgrades that deliver the most bang for your buck, customizing outlook: how to make it look the way you want.

Do you want to travel, but circumstances are preventing you from doing so? Thankfully, the internet enables you to visit multiple destinations around the world in real time. No plane tickets, visas, or long flights necessary!

If you have a laptop, a smartphone, or a VR device and a reliable Wi-Fi connection, you are all set to take these virtual tours for free.

1. African Safari

WildEarth relies on safari vehicles, guides on foot, drones, balloons, rovers and remote cams to capture some of Africa's most iconic animals in their own habitats. You can interact with an expert game ranger hosting the safari while you watch.

Related: Outdoor Virtual Tours to Get Back to Nature With Hikes, Dives, and Spelunking

2. The White House

At 55,000 square feet, the White House has 6 floors, 132 rooms (16 are family guest rooms), 35 bathrooms, 28 fireplaces, eight staircases, three elevators, 412 doors and 147 windows.

Thanks to Google Arts and Culture, you can enjoy a walk through the most famous residence in the US without having to worry about the Secret Service.

Related: Virtual Field Trips That Make History Come Alive

3. Discover India

You can visit the Taj Mahal and other iconic Indian sites via the official Indian government's immersive Audio Odigos app.

Once the app is downloaded Audio Odigos does not require Wi-Fi or an Internet connection. You can choose a destination and download all the chapters of the destination you are visiting in one go and enjoy your tour offline.

Download: Audio Odigos for Android | iOS (Free)

4. Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House offers exclusive live streams of their performances, inclusive of original new digital programming direct from Sydney Opera House. It's free when you sign up.

5. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

The Northern Lights most commonly appear between 5:00 pm and 2:00 am.

A good display may last for no longer than 15-30 minutes at a time, although if you're really lucky, they could last for a few hours. Norway's lights over Lapland project enables you to experience the Northern Lights via VR.

6. The Grand Canyon

The most popular hiking trail into the Grand Canyon is the Bright Angel Trail. Google's Street View Trek enables you to virtually hike it.

7. Paris Catacombs

Beneath the City of Paris is a 200 mile series of macabre tunnels containing the bones of 6 million people. As photographer Felix Nadar put it, the catacombs are one of those places "everyone wants to see and no one wants to see again". You can see the catacombs for yourself with this virtual tour.

Related: The Best Virtual Tours of the Human Body for Interactive Anatomy

8. Christ the Redeemer Statue

Located at the peak of the 700-metre (2,300 ft) Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park, overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, the Christ the Redeemer statue is the largest art deco statue in the world. You can skip the 200-step climb to the top via this stunning virtual tour set to soothing jazz by Kenny G.

9. Roman Colosseum

Fans of the Gladiator movie will no doubt recall the legendary fight scenes in the colosseum.

In real life, the colosseum was used as an entertainment venue for 390 years. During that time more than 400,000 people and 1 million animals died inside the Colosseum. You can virtually visit the real colosseum on AirPano.

10. Brooks Falls, Alaska

EXPLORE is the largest live nature cam network on the planet.

If you are a fan of bears, the livestream of Brooks Falls in Alaska's Katmai National Park is the best place in the world to watch brown bears feasting on salmon as they swim upstream to spawn. EXPLORE offers a multicam experience of various virtual tours both on land and under the sea.

11. New York Times Square

Would you like to visit Times Square in New York right this very moment? EarthCam takes you on an aerial and street-level tour of the square, complete with audio.

12. Marine Life Virtual Dive

America's National Marine Sanctuary System is a network of underwater parks encompassing more than 600,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters, and now you can visit these amazing places in the blink of an eye through virtual reality.

If you're on a desktop, click and drag to experience in 360 degrees, or pair your phone with your virtual reality headset. For the best viewing experience, watch the video in high-definition: click the gear symbol in the lower right corner, then select any of the HD options that pop up when you click "Quality."

Related: Google Earth Tour Guide: Virtual Tours You'll Want to Check Out

Hot Tip: Amazon Explore

Amazon Explore enables you to virtually tour the world's cities and experience local culture with the help, or rather the company, of local guides or hosts.

Amazon Explore experiences are not free. However, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, your first experience of up to $50 is free with the promo code FREEFUN for a limited time.

How to get a free Amazon Explore experience:

• Visit Amazon Explore .
• Select and schedule an experience that is $50 or less. Use the code FREEFUN at checkout. This will reduce your cost to zero.
• Meet Your Host: When it’s time for your livestreamed session, show up at your computer and meet up with your host.
• Explore: The session is private and just for you, so ask questions, take pictures, and focus on what interests you the most.

Virtual Travel Is Here to Stay

For travelers who have various physical impairments—mobile, visual, auditory—virtual tours are a great way to visit destinations that were once off limits. Needless to say, those with financial limitations are equally empowered to visit places they otherwise could not afford.

If you are worried about global warming, traveling via internet is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and avoid flight shaming while seeing the world.

And of course there are the time savings. You may not have the time to see the world in your lifetime. With virtual travel, you can visit a new continent every day.

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The 31 Best Airbnb Online Experiences [Ultimate Guide]

Christy Rodriguez

Travel & Finance Content Contributor

88 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 36 U.S. States Visited: 31

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

40 Published Articles 3359 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

What are airbnb online experiences, how to search for airbnb online experiences, how are airbnb online experiences priced, how to book airbnb online experiences, how do i prepare for airbnb online experiences, how do i change or cancel airbnb online experiences, different types of online experiences by interest, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

While Airbnb has been offering in-person Experiences, it recently expanded these Experiences to make many of them virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For times when travel isn’t an option and we are desperately craving some cultural immersion, Airbnb Online Experiences are a great fit! They include a mix of hosted classes, cooking demonstrations, tours, and more.

We’ve taken a look at all of the offerings and gathered together our favorites to help you sort through the steadily-increasing variety of activities. From learning to cook traditional Spanish paella to getting a personalized tour of Paris with a local, these are some of the best ways you can travel from home with Airbnb Online Experiences.

While Airbnb started as a platform for travelers to find and book rooms and homes around the world, back in 2017, it expanded its offerings to include bookable Experiences across the globe. These Experiences “offer a deep-dive into the local host’s world through their passion.” It notes that the most successful Experiences “offer a unique take on an activity or locale that is special to the host’s city.”

Due to COVID-19, Airbnb moved these Experiences online. The online activities are still local-led, expert-driven experts, but now they take place virtually through Zoom, a third-party cloud platform for video conferencing that you access via your desktop computer, tablet, or mobile device.

Most experiences are group activities, where you’ll be joined by others on Zoom who might be located anywhere around the globe. Or, you can choose to pay a little extra to book a private Experience for just you and some friends and family.

Airbnb Online Experiences are purchased and booked on the same portal where you book accommodations, and a Zoom link to join is provided for the appropriate day and time as soon as your payment is processed.

You can use the Airbnb website or mobile app to book an Online Experience. The individual host sets Experience availability — it is not simply available on demand.

• On the Airbnb home page , click on the “Online Experiences” tab
• Click “Dates” and enter your date (or if you are flexible, you can do this later)
• Click “Guests” and enter the number of guests

The other option is to simply browse through all available Experiences.

Make sure to review all requirements specified by the host. Also, be sure to look closely at the “What’s Included” or “What I’ll Provide” sections of the Experience page to see more details about what to expect for each Experience.

Hot Tip: You don’t need to have a home booked on Airbnb in order to book an Experience.

Hosting a Private Group Activity

If you’d like to virtually gather a group of friends or family, private groups may be a good option. Whether a host offers private groups is at the host’s discretion.

There are 3 ways to search for a group activity:

• When you find an Experience you are interested in, you can message the host to inquire if they can host your group privately
• You can click the “See Dates” button to check if “Book for a private group” is an option for a specific date
• Simply book all available spots for a specific date/time, if available

You will receive a link to the Zoom meeting that you will need to forward along to all attendees.

Airbnb Online Experiences are priced depending on how involved the activity is and who the local or expert is, but are very reasonable with an average cost of $22. Also, Experiences are priced per person by default, so the price to book a group will be more expensive.

For example, you can learn to make homemade Italian pasta for only $7 per person, or watch as you have a pair of shoes custom-made for you for $74 per person (including shipping). Have a private workout session for $70 per session, or even book a cooking class and make Spanish paella with just your friends and family for $300 for the group.

Generally, you should book a spot for each person joining the Experience, but sometimes a host is open to multiple guests joining per device. If this is the case, this will be noted on their Experience page under “What You’ll Do” or “How to Participate.”

Once you find an Online Experience you are interested in booking, click on the date and time of your choosing. Be sure to note any cancellation policies on this screen as well.

The Airbnb website will guide you through your payment options and help you finalize your booking. Payment options vary by country, but generally, the following options are available:

• Most major credit cards and prepaid credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover, JCB) as well as many debit cards that can be processed as credit
• Airbnb gift cards (in the U.S. only)

For more information, see the Airbnb payment page .

Bottom Line: There is no limit to how many Experiences you can book!

You can check the “How to Participate” and “Guest Requirements” sections of the Experience page to find out what you need to prepare before attending. This information can also be found in your booking confirmation email.

Examples of common requirements include an internet connection and a list of materials, food, or other items to purchase or prepare in advance.

Hot Tip: You can always find the necessary details in your reservation information found on your Airbnb “Trips” page.

Communicate Limitations

If you have a food allergy or special dietary restrictions, be sure to disclose them to your hosts beforehand so you can discuss if or how their menu can be altered for you.

Along the same lines, if you have any physical limitations that might impact your Experience, communicate this in advance so that accommodations can be made.

If you use a desktop to access Zoom, you can either join from your browser or download the Zoom app . If you’re using a cell phone, you’ll need to download the Zoom app ( iOS , Android ).

Bottom Line: You don’t need to sign up for a Zoom account to attend your Online Experience.

Make sure you have the correct link for your online Experience. This will have been emailed to you when you booked.

Video Credit: Airbnb

If the link isn’t working, close Zoom and try the link again. If it’s still not working, message your host to confirm whether they are having issues with Zoom. In addition, if Zoom is asking you for a password, message your host through Airbnb to ask for the password.

Plans change, but the good news is that Airbnb Online Experiences are pretty flexible!

To change or cancel a reservation, go to “Trips” in your Airbnb account or from your reservation confirmation email. Once you locate your trip, how you change or cancel depends on your method:

• In the Airbnb app, tap “Manage reservation”
• From your confirmation email, select “Change or cancel reservation”
• In your Airbnb account, select “Modify reservation”

Changing Your Experience

You can make a change to your Airbnb Online Experience up to 72 hours before it begins.

To request a request:

• Click the “Contact host” button on the host’s Experience page
• Choose between asking a question or requesting availability for dates and times
• Choose the new date, time, and number of guests
• Review your request
• Click “Send request”

The host can review the reservation details and accept or deny your request. If they confirm, you’ll be prompted to complete the booking through a message in your inbox. You may be prompted to pay any difference in pricing, if applicable.

If your request is denied, you can work with the host to find a different time that works better for their schedule.

Canceling Your Experience

You can cancel up to 7 days before the start time or within 24 hours of booking.

You should receive your full refund within 10 days.

Refunds for Your Experience

In addition, per Airbnb , “guests are eligible for a full refund for your Airbnb Online Experience if there are any technical difficulties, such as audio or video issues, that occur either due to their own device or the host’s device during an online experience.”

For the full refund policy, be sure to check Airbnb’s website .

It’s fun to just scroll through all of the different offerings on the Online Experiences section, but if you want to get a head start on the research, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best — from most-popular to most-unique!

Cooking Online Experiences

Airbnb Cooking Online Experiences are the most-booked on the site and your options are truly endless!

Make Homemade Italian Pasta

What It Is : Learn how to make 5 types of pasta from scratch from a traditional family recipe during this 2-hour Experience. After the pasta is made, you will cook the ravioli as a group and learn the best way to store the rest of the pasta.

If you book a private group (from $392), the menu can also be modified to include southern lasagna, butternut squash tortelloni, or tiramisu. Yum!

Star Rating : 5 out of 5

Price: From $7 per person

Kenyan Cooking and Music

What It Is : Learn how to make Kenyan cuisine from scratch using family recipes in this 90-minute Experience. The menu changes based on the day but your options include traditional favorites such as curry, chapati, ugali, chicken korma, and chicken biryani.

Star Rating : 4.96 out of 5

Price: From $20 per person

Spanish Paella and Culture

What It Is : If you’re missing Barcelona, let this cooking class transport you virtually! You can choose to cook seafood, meat, or vegetarian paella. Learn about the Spanish approach to cooking, Spanish culture, traditions, and a lot more during this 90-minute Experience.

Price: From $21 per person

Taste of India

What It Is : The host, JD is from Delhi and is a self-described lover of food. He has been organizing food tours and cooking classes in Delhi for 5 years and has transitioned his business to be virtual right now.

While the 75-minute chai tea and samosa class is offered every day, be sure to look at the different menu offerings! There are daily menus that include favorites such as butter chicken, rice and mango lassi, or matter paneer, garlic parantha, and raita.

Price: From $18 per person

Chocolate Making

What It Is : Live from a cacao farm in Kingston, Jamaica, learn about the history of chocolate on the island and see the cacao estate up close during this 60-minute class. Don’t worry — you’ll definitely get to make and enjoy your chocolate! Learn how to hand-temper chocolate using items found in your own kitchen.

Star Rating : 4.99 out of 5

Price: From $8 per person

Vegan Baking

What It Is : This vegan cooking class is perfect — whether you’re new to the vegan world or a seasoned pro. While the menu changes each month, some examples of the recipes you might bake during this 2-hour course include apple cider donuts, granola with nuts and chips, pumpkin muffins, and fingerprint cookies with jam.

Star Rating : 4.92 out of 5

Price: From $31 per person

Mexican Street Tacos

What It Is : Learn to cook Mexican street tacos from scratch — including fresh tortillas, salsas, and all the fillings! This 90-minute class will guide you in preparing a traditional red salsa, taco filling, and flour tortillas. The recipes will be shared so you can cook this meal again and again. Vegan options are also available.

Star Rating : 4.98 out of 5

Coffee, Wine, and Cocktail Online Experiences

Whether you want to learn how to make a fantastic cup of coffee or a great cocktail, these are the options for you!

Wine Education in Porto

What It Is : While this class is based in Portugal, it is really more of a wine appreciation for wines made around the world. Bring 1 red and 1 white wine and prepare to enjoy! Learn how different wines are made and how red and white wines differ. Also, get a brief introduction to the main regions around the globe.

Wine pairings and information on what to look for when choosing wine at a store are also covered in this Experience!

Price: From $24 per person

Sangria Cocktails and Drag

What It Is : Not only will you learn how to create a sangria cocktail step-by-step from 7 fabulous drag queens, but you will also be treated to a short burlesque-style show. This 90-minute Experience is a unique journey into the drag scene of Portugal and the most booked online Experience that Airbnb offers !

Price: From $35 per person

Turkish Coffee Fortune Reading

What It Is : Let your guide walk you through brewing your own cup of coffee and prepare to have your fortune read! After you drink your coffee, experience the Turkish tradition of reading your fortune from the remaining coffee grinds — via Zoom!

The details note that it is ideal for team-building experiences, so booking a private group session may be a great option here.

Star Rating : 4.97 out of 5

Price: From $49 per person

Vietnamese Coffee Masterclass

What It Is : Addicted to authentic Vietnamese coffee or just heard the rave reviews? It may sound intimidating, but your guide will walk you through the proper way to make it at home during this 60-minute session.

Learn what makes Vietnamese coffee special while getting the added bonus of experiencing what it’s like to be at a Vietnamese coffee shop in Hanoi.

Price: From $9 per person

Virtual Tours

You can get the chance to explore a place, with just a few modifications. You might experience a live tour or a place or simply be immersed as your live guide walks you through a pre-recorded walk around a city.

Australian Farm

What It Is : If you’re stuck in the city and want an escape to farm life, this might be the right choice for you! Meet mini horses, goats, alpacas, and more and see the unique ways in which they were trained.

Tour around this Australian farm for over 60 minutes where you will meet lots of the farm’s inhabitants and learn fun facts about them. This is great for a team-building event!

Price: From $19 per person

Plague Doctor Explores Prague

What It Is : This interactive movie was shot during earlier times of quarantine and shows the abandoned town as it might have been during the 17th and 18th centuries. You will have a live tour guide that talks you through your tour visiting the famous Charles Bridge, walking around the Old Town Square, and going into the Jewish Quarter.

Note that this Experience can be joined by everyone in your household for the same price!

Star Rating : 4.91 out of 5

Price: From $19 per household

Virtual Tour Around Paris

What It Is : For anyone that had to cancel their trip to the City of Lights , this might be a good temporary substitute. Your Parisian guide will walk you through a typical day using props, photos, and images. For example, get tips on how to order a ‘tradi’ and learn the true meaning of concepts like flâner, joie de vivre, and laissez-faire. After this Experience, you’ll definitely be ready for your next trip!

Price: From $16 per person

Edinburgh Harry Potter Tour

What It Is : Join a virtual tour of Edinburgh that will show you a few of the places where J.K Rowling drew her inspiration, including the shops of Diagon Alley, the school believed to be the inspiration for Hogwarts, and even a graveyard with some recognizable character names.

Interspersed between the tour “stops” there will also be a Harry Potter trivia competition between the houses!

DIY Online Experiences

These Do-It-Yourself (or DIY) Online Experiences can be a great way to get a bit crafty while also learning about other people and cultures.

Design Your Own Espadrilles

What It Is : Watch live as masters in their workshop in Barcelona introduce the tradition of espadrilles. They will then allow each participant to choose the color and size of the base, the ribbons, the threads, and the type of stitching.

Finally, watch your creation be made and then shipped to your home as part of the price. So while the price may seem high, you’re getting a pair of custom espadrilles shipped directly from Spain! Hopefully, you pick up enough of the technique that you can try to make these for your friends as well!

Price: From $74 per person

Natural Cosmetics

What It Is : Learn to make 2 recipes for natural skincare during this 60-minute Experience using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! Make both a face scrub and a body scrub and talk about other natural skincare from an expert from Milan, Italy.

Price: From $13 per person

Create a Pop-Out Book

What It Is : Make your own unusually shaped little book — perfect for gifting! In this 90-minute class, you’ll learn how to make pages and fold them to create unique shapes, cut out covers for your book, and finally how to glue and assemble the pages together. The reviews for the instructor, Kit, are also spectacular!

Active Online Experiences

If you’re missing your gym, or just want to learn a new skill, these active Online Experiences are a great way to get moving.

Acrobat Workout

What It Is : Join along for this 30-minute full-body workout inspired by ones that Cirque du Soleil cast members regularly complete! This former cast member will guide you through a warm-up and cardio and core routine, and then finish with stretching.

Price: From $7 per person, but you can also organize 1-on-1 training sessions for $70 per session.

K-Pop Dance Lessons

What It Is : In this 60-minute Experience, you’ll watch a K-pop “mini concert” and learn dance routines by famous K-pop bands like BTS and BLACKPINK. Each day features a different dance routine, so you can repeat this multiple times and learn tons of new routines!

Star Rating : 4.93 out of 5

Price : From $24 per person

Meditation With a Japanese Buddhist Monk

What It Is : Take a break and relax during this 60-minute Experience. Start with a chanting mantra for 20 minutes, then complete a 10-minute breathing-out meditation. After, you can ask questions from the Buddhist monk about the practice and his life.

Price: From $15 per person

Train With an Olympian

What It Is : This high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout will be a track and field-inspired strength and conditioning workout — taught by2008 Track and Field Olympian Mechelle Lewis Freeman! Learn proper running mechanics and techniques, with low and high-impact options.

All proceeds from this Experience go to TrackGirlz, the host’s nonprofit organization that empowers girls through sisterhood and track and field, so feel good about being active AND giving back!

Price: From $25 per person

New Orleans Bounce and Twerk

What It Is : Experience the “bounce and twerk” that is a huge part of Louisiana’s dance culture. This 60-minute high-energy dance lesson will be taught by professional dance artists. After dancing and sweating, you will cool down using a Louisiana Creole practice of meditation in the forms of prayer, candle lighting, and deep breathing.

Argentine Tango Lessons

What It Is : This is a great idea for a fun (stay at home) date night! Learn a traditional routine with the popular moves of Argentine tango. This 60-minute tango class is hosted by teachers and dancers from Argentina.

The reviews are spectacular and it notes that no previous experience is required, so there is no need to be intimidated.

Creative Online Experiences

The interactive Online Experiences help get the creative juices flowing — whether you want to learn more about the secrets of magic, improve your calligraphy skills, or make a portrait with a professional illustrator.

Backstage With a Magician

What It Is : This is described as “a magic show that takes place in my home.” You’ll get to see interactive magic tricks up close, hear funny stories, and learn about magic gadgets that the host uses. While you’ll also learn a simple magic trick, this is more of a show — not a magic class. This is priced per household, so this is a great one to enjoy with the whole family!

Creative Drawing

What It Is : Make a portrait with a professional illustrator in this 45-minute Experience. Warm-up your hands and learn his technique to create a face. With this knowledge, feel free to experiment and create something amazing!

All you need is something to create with — paper and colors, crayons, pens, pencils, etc.

Hand Calligraphy and Lettering

What It Is : This is a great introduction to brush lettering and modern calligraphy without having to purchase a ton of expensive tools. You’ll start with an overview of the cursive alphabet and some basic drills to get the strokes down and move onto either creating a unique piece of art or just developing your own personal style.

Star Rating : 4.84 out of 5

Quirky Online Experiences

Well, there’s no other word for it! These are the offbeat and weirdest of the bunch.

Hollywood Sound FX

What It Is : Hosted by an Emmy-nominated artist, this 60-minute Experience will let you venture into the world of Hollywood sound production. You will get to see a huge prop collection and get a chance to hear how they produce the sounds in the actual shows and films.

Breakdown some of the mysteries of Hollywood and see why sounds are key to your viewing experience!

Private Astrology Chart

What It Is : In this Experience, your host will use astrology, in the form of your natal chart, to “help you connect with the best version of yourself.” You will work directly with a private astrologer who will create and send you a digital file of your natal chart. She will be sure to explain the predominant elements of your chart and show you how it relates to your personality and life.

Price: From $80 per person

Guided Meditation With Sheep in Stirling

What It Is : This 60-minute Experience is all about relaxation. You will join the host on her farm where you will meet her sheep and watch as they are fed in their barn. Once they are done, you will be able to virtually cuddle with the sheep and learn some therapeutic breathing exercises to relax. Lastly, you will be lead through a 10 to 15 minute mindful meditation.

Tarot Reading and Mate Experience

What It Is : Learn how to prepare Argentina’s most famous drink — mate! After this, settle in for a lesson on tarot cards, including its history, different tarot decks, and details about the cards. Lastly, you will receive a short interactive card reading. If you’re interested in receiving a personalized tarot card reading, you can also book a private Experience!

Price: From $19 per person, or from $55 for a personalized reading

Airbnb Online Experiences offer the opportunity to not only learn new skills but also connect with hosts and participants around the world. With the average Experience coming in around $22, they offer a good value, even though some classes (like cooking or art classes) will require additional costs for materials or ingredients.

This is also a great way to support hosts whose “regular” jobs in the tourism industry might have taken a hit during the pandemic. While these Airbnb Online Experiences started as a result of COVID-19, we hope we’ll see these continue long after travel returns to normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are airbnb online experiences.

Airbnb offers local experiences around the globe as a way to connect with local culture — whether that is a tour by a local guide, a cooking class, or any number of unique offerings. Due to COVID-19, Airbnb moved these experiences online. The online activities are still local-led, expert-driven experiences, but now they take place virtually through Zoom.

How do I reserve a private group for Airbnb Online Experience?

When you are searching for an experience, it is first important to confirm that the host allows group experiences. To do this, you can:

• Message the host directly
• Look for dates, confirming if the option to “book a private group” is available
• Book all available spots on your desired date/time, if they are available

Once you receive your confirmation, forward on to all attendees so they can join virtually.

Can Airbnb gift cards be used for Online Experiences?

Per Airbnb’s website , “Currently, gift cards can only be purchased and redeemed by individuals in the United States with a payment method that was issued in the United States.”

If you are located within the U.S., then a Airbnb gift card can be used for any Experience or Airbnb stay.

How do I host an Airbnb Online Experience?

If you are interested in hosting your own Airbnb Online Experience, start on the main host page .

From there, you will need to create a new Experience and submit it for review following the process noted on the site. The site has many resources and guides to help your submission be successfully approved and ready for booking!

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About Christy Rodriguez

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.

Discover the exact steps we use to get into  1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, for free   (even if you’re flying economy!) .

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From the top of mount everest to the bottom of the great barrier reef..

Winter is in full swing, and the idea of leaving the comfort of our well-heated homes—let alone embarking on an adventure—might not seem so appealing at the moment. But as the mercury continues to dip, wanderlust remains high. We still long to go to the zoo, or browse a museum . We miss the smell of jet fuel as much as an island breeze . And while those things might not be in the cards, virtual travel can at least fill that void until it’s warm enough to resume globetrotting.

To help you beat those January blues, we scoured the internet for the best armchair travel experiences, from VR tours of haunted locales and digital days at the beach to voyages into World Heritage Sites and subterranean caverns .

Dive deep into a new world

If you’re not quite ready to commit to the whole underwater tourism thing, test the waters with a digital diving tour. Explore the Great Barrier Reef or the Palmyra Coral Coral Garden . Swim with sharks without the danger of peeing your wetsuit. Dive into a centuries-old shipwreck and convince yourself you didn't see the ghost of an ancient mariner in the background. Then maybe get scuba-certified .

Get a stranger’s-eye-view of the world (at random)

Remember Chat Roulette? This is like that, but with 99.99% less unsolicited nudity and way more scenic views. Click into Window Swap and you’ll be transported to a stranger’s windowsill for up to 10 minutes. Bored of somebody’s panoramic view of London ? Click a button and you’ll be warp-zoned somewhere else. In the last five minutes alone, we’ve been transported from a Singaporean sunrise and the busy streets of Egypt to a Slovakian goat farm and rain-soaked Shanghai highrise. Does this have serious Rear Window potential? Absolutely. But are there cats to spot? Yes. So it’s worth the risk.

Visit somewhere cold without wearing a coat

One way to seriously counteract the bone-chilling effects of winter is to put yourself somewhere much colder. Game the system with a 360-degree tour of Antarctica’s ice caves with legendary explorer Sam Baugey. Or venture up to the North Pole, where you can take an interactive trip above and below the ice with Poseidon Adventures . If you prefer your frozen experiences more whimsical, you can also catch a live cam of Bergen, Norway , which inspired the town of Frozen and is also very, very cold.

Skip the lines at your favorite amusement park

Citizens of The YOLO State may have their run of Disney World and Universal Studios , but the majority of the country is going through theme park withdrawal. Those longing for OG's Disneyland’s wholesome/terrifying thrills (lookin’ at you, Mr. Toad's Wild DUI Simulator ) can still get them in VR form . In fact, amusement park enthusiasts are in luck: There are virtual rides on some of the best roller coasters in the world, plus tours of in-demand parks like  Legoland and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter .

Take a virtual trip across Japan

This 360-degree VR movie from the Japan National Tourism Organization is here to tide anyone who wishes to visit the country over with glimpses of everything from bamboo forests to sushi making. Meanwhile, this live feed of Shibuya Crossing , Tokyo's popular “scramble crossing," provides a look at the relative normalcy of Japan at any given minute. Want to get out of Tokyo to look around? You don't have access to the bullet train , but you can tune into a live feed of a Tokyo's railways , then pretend you were transported to Kyoto for a  virtual tour of its ancient shrines and geisha district  or to this  natural mountain hot spring full of snow monkeys . Not a bad deal.

Explore the coasts of Northern Ireland

Step onto the land of giants without worrying about spilling your Bushmills. Giant’s Causeway is full of basalt columns, history, and ancient mythology, making it the perfect place to get (virtually) lost for a few hours. The rugged landscape was formed around 60 million years ago due to slow-cooling lava. Immerse yourself in this world of wonder by starting your virtual tour at the Giant’s Port , then make your way to the hexagonal coast of the Grand Causeway .

Hike the Great Wall of China

Walking along the Great Wall has been at the top of many "vacation goals" lists for centuries before hashtags were invented. Now, you can take a virtual hike in lieu of actually exerting physical effort. This virtual tour spans 6.5 miles between Jinshanling and Simatai, a stretch known for having some of the most quintessential views in China. And there's lots of handy educational material to accompany the sights, too.

Explore Chile's natural splendor

Download Chile 360 , a free app that will help you virtually explore wonders from the Torres del Paine to the Atacama Desert to Easter Island . The National Historic Museum of Chile is offering virtual tours , too. And in very excellent news, you can enjoy the European Southern Observatory’s  virtual tour of the famed astronomical observatory in Santiago. If you happen to have a VR headset, there’s a whole other world open to you there, but those of us doing this from our cell phones should jump to this link and choose from the VR options that follow—for soothing views of the brightly colored galaxy above, start with La Silla .

Drop into some of the world’s most celebrated art museums

Check out these Google Arts & Culture tours of museums like the Van Gogh Museum , the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery , and the Louvre . Finally, a chance to see the Mona Lisa up close and personal without getting bumped around by throngs of fellow tourists. Each tour is a little different—try using Google Street View to explore France's ornate  Musée des Beaux-arts  or soak up the unseasonably leafy vibes at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.

Dive deep into the world's most mysterious caverns

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See Mount Everest from a sky-high helicopter

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Hit the slopes in Canada

Lean into ski season without investing all that equipment by taking a trip down the powdery slopes of Lake Louise Ski Resort in Alberta, Canada from the comfort of your pajamas. Travel Alberta offers a 360-degree tour featuring breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and soaring pine trees. Make sure you stream in 4K for the best quality, and feel free to watch next to an open freezer for maximum effect.

Get a close-up view of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most visited natural wonders in North America, but usually getting close to it involves wading through a sea of tourists wearing garbage-bag ponchos… and that's after you've traversed the tourist trap-laden streets leading up to the thundering waterfall. A digital experience means skipping the crowds and guaranteeing the best views, whether you’re gazing at them from a cruise ship , or while virtually ziplining alongside the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls .

Introduce yourself to Mount Rushmore

If your deepest desire is to climb Mount Rushmore without the fear of coming into contact with Smash Mouth fans, today’s your lucky day, you very specific person. CyArk partnered with the National Park Service to give you the opportunity to admire it in all its glory through this virtual tour . After getting acquainted with the details of former presidents' faces, mosey on down to the Presidential Trail and get your virtual leg day on, or continue on to a virtual tour of the Badlands and make it a virtual SoDak road trip.

Embark on a safari through South Africa's Kruger National Park

Offering a rare chance to get close to lions, and tigers, and bears without those pesky mosquito nets or Netflix documentary crews elbowing you out of the way to get the perfect shot, this experience brings a full-blown safari into your home. Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest animal reserves and now you can cruise through it observing rhinos, giraffes, and antelopes without even booking a flight.

Take the scenic route through Switzerland

A brief scroll through any travel influencer's Instagram account is more than likely to shore up at least one photo of Switzerland's striking mountain ranges and distinct architecture. And you can play along with this virtual Grand Train tour of Switzerland , which is so realistic that you may even be able to feel the crisp alpine air through your screen.

Splash around with aquatic animals

There’s something so calming about watching animals casually mind their business and interact with each other. If you need to forget that you’re a human for a little while, many aquariums have livestreams and pre-recorded streams available. Monterey Bay Aquarium in California currently offers live cams of critters like turtles, sharks, and penguins, while the Seattle Aquarium has you covered with their sea otter cams . The National Aquarium in Baltimore  also offers live streams of exhibits featuring sea creatures like jellyfish and stingrays. 

Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram , TikTok , Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , and YouTube .

Airbnb's 15 most popular online experiences, including drinking with drag queens, making pasta with grandmas, and a Harry Potter tour

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• Airbnb offers an extensive catalog of online experiences you can do from the comfort of home.
• Filter your search to explore matches for your interests, budget, and schedule.
• Below are 15 of Airbnb's most popular online experiences, including cooking, dancing, magic, and more.

While travelers are choosing Airbnb for lodging because private residences pose a lower risk than hotels in the pandemic, the home-sharing platform also provides another popular entertainment option that comes with no risk at all: online experiences to do at home.

Many Airbnb online experiences provide both the flavor of travel and a chance to learn something new: Topics include food and drink, history and culture, dance, music, and more. You can filter your search by price (the average price of an experience is a budget-friendly $23), language (at least 14 are offered), and length (go for a quick 30-minute session, or commit to several hours). 

Insider's associate travel editor reviewed two of the Airbnb online experiences first-hand, including a Moroccan cooking class and a tango lesson . Her verdict? That she would readily sign up for more.

Whatever your tastes, budget, and schedule, there's an online Airbnb experience sure to pique your interest.

Here are 15 of Airbnb's most popular online experiences right now.

Sangria and secrets with drag queens.

This is Airbnb's most popular online experience in the world. This group of Lisbon-based drag queens offers a live cocktail-making class, teaching guests how to make authentic, fresh, and tasty Portuguese sangria from scratch. But the cabaret-style drag performance is also a major part of the appeal: think fireworks, smoke effects, lights, and over-the-top costumes. Hang out with the queens after to talk about Lisbon, drag culture, life — whatever you like.

Follow a Plague Doctor Through Prague

This one might be a little too on the nose for some…. but if living through a pandemic for a year has only inspired you to delve deeper into historical plagues, this is the experience for you. Virtually walk the empty streets of Prague during the Black Death and other plagues of the 17th and 18th centuries, and get a peek into the PPE of the time. In this 60-minute experience, live audio accompanies professionally shot video filmed during quarantine in the abandoned town.

Booty Shake with Colombian Choreographer

Sure, you could hit those dumbbells in the garage. But that seems pretty ho-hum when you compare it to this fitness experience: shaking your culo with a choreographer from Colombia, live. (Plus, you can apply your skills when it's safe to hit the dance floors all over the world again.) In this hour-long class, you'll learn basic or advance booty shaking or twerk techniques. The instructor especially recommends this class for groups of girlfriends; no prior experience is required.

GINspiration History & Cocktails at Home

In this virtual class for gin lovers (or wannabe aficionados), you'll learn how to turn basic ingredients into elevated drinks. You'll delve into the history of the spirit, craft some delicious cocktails, and, of course, drink them.

Cook Mexican Street Tacos with a Pro Chef

Learn to make a Mexican street taco, and all of its accoutrements, from scratch in this 90-minute class. The first half hour is an intimate meet-and-greet with the chef, located in Mexico City, and an overview of the recipe. In the next hour, prep traditional red salsa, taco filling, and flour tortillas in easy-to-follow steps. Vegan options are also available if preferred. 

Meditation with a Japanese Buddhist Monk

If sitting in front of your computer doesn't always feel like the most Zen experience, this one will be a breath of fresh air. In this 60-minute class, you'll sit with a Japanese meditation practitioner who will teach two methods. First is a 20-minute chanting mantra, followed by a 10-minute breathing-out meditation. Afterward, you can share questions and thoughts on the practice. It's especially ideal for a professional team-building exercise or group session; the host can lead private groups of up to 30 guests.

Pasta with the Grandmas

What's the next best thing to eating pasta in Italy? Cooking pasta with an authentic Italian nonna (grandma). In this 90-minute experience, you'll do just that — but it's far from an amateur setup. It uses four professional sets with four cameras each for an immersive, high-quality experience. Sign up to make pistachio pesto, fettuccini ragu, ravioli with ricotta and spinach, classic lasagne, and other dishes. Saturdays are for tiramisu.

Harry Potter Magic in Edinburgh Tour

Virtually visit the Scottish city of Edinburgh through a J.K Rowling lens in this 60-minute class. You'll see all the places from where the author drew her inspiration, including the school believed to be the inspiration for Hogwarts, the shops of Diagon Alley, the graveyard where her characters' names came from, and more. Costumes encouraged.

Living Room Legends Scavenger Hunt Game

This energetic, interactive scavenger hunt game invites participants to compete in fun, challenging missions for points and virtual prizes. You can race random guests from other locations, or sign up together with friends, family, or colleagues. It's a chance to showcase your collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills — so it works especially well for corporate team building.

One Day in Paris with a Parisian

Experience Paris virtually through this 60-minute experience. Your Parisian host will share insights and history about the City of Light, including why the Eiffel tower should not be standing today, where Parisians go off the beaten path, and how they shop the open-air markets to prepare a perfect Parisian picnic.

Solve the Mystery Escape Room

This digital escape room is all about solving a mystery. It starts with getting to know your teammates. Next, learn the rules and the plot of the game. Now, become a team of detectives trying to creatively solve a case in just one hour. Book with a group to play together as a team.

Tango Concert with Latin Grammy Nominee

This 60-minute experience merges a live concert with a history lesson… and a cocktail party. This group of musicians with decades of stage experience will lead virtual guests from the origins of tango in the 1890s to Buenos Aires' modern music scene, sharing culture, music, and conversation with the virtual attendees.

Family Magic Show and Magic Lesson

No fancy equipment needed for this family magic show with your Japan-based host. The interactive experience is right for kids and adults alike. The show comprises about two-thirds of the 60-minute class, with the last third devoted to a magic lesson. 

True vs. False Funny Historical Game

This might be a version of history class, but be aware it's not for kids. The regular version gets a bit racy (but you can also choose milder versions for corporate or family events). Expect to hear strange stories and kinky details from ancient Greece, along with some funny made-up stuff. Can you identify the truth from the fake news? 

Coffee Masterclass

Your hosts for this class are Elena, who is currently traveling, and Christian, who is located in Mexico. They'll teach you what's considered a great cup of coffee and why, covering concepts including the basic neuroscience of flavor. Next, you'll learn the different processes and tips for brewing the best cup ever. A barista handbook is included.

• Main content

18 Wonderful Virtual Tours of Italy

Updated December 4, 2020

// By Margherita

Are you stuck at home, dreaming of travelling to Italy? Well, what if I said that you can? Have a look at these amazing virtual tours of Italy – from Florence, Rome and Venice virtual tours, to virtual tours of Italian museums, online cooking classes, and lots more!

If you’re reading this, 2020 was probably the year you were finally planning to travel to Italy, but your plans are now on hold – who knows for how long.

Or maybe you’re just bored and dreaming of Italy , of visiting David in Florence , marvelling in front of the Last Supper in Milan , hiking Cinque Terre or the Dolomites .

If these were ‘normal’ times, you’d be looking at flights and start making plans – but this is 2020. 

What if I said that in a way, Italy has never been so close? True, you may not be able to travel there physically, but you can experience Italy from the comfort of your own home , thanks to many different virtual Italy tours, cooking classes, and other online travel experiences. 

You’ll be able to learn the secrets of the Colosseum, admire the Uffizi in Florence, learn how to make fresh pasta… and a lot more. These are just some of the best virtual tours of Italy , created over the last few months, for visitors from all over the world to experience our beautiful country. 

If you know of any more Italy virtual tours or other travel experiences , feel free to share them with us!

Meanwhile, check this post for the best online travel experiences from all over the world!

Venice Virtual Tours

1) St. Mark’s Basilica Virtual Tour

Have you always wanted to visit Venice ? This 2-hour St Mark’s Basilica tour is your chance to explore the floating city’s most famous church , a true architectural wonder with a history stretching over one thousand years. 

Follow licensed guides as they narrate a millennia of Venetian history in a fun and informative manner, before moving to St. Mark’s and learning about its art, architecture, and hidden symbols. 

This tour is organised by Take Walks – for any virtual tour you join , you’ll receive a $25 voucher you can use to book any live tour over the next 2 years, not just in Italy!

2) Venice Highlights Webinar

Venice is a unique and fascinating city, and there’s nothing better than exploring it with a local! In the duration of this 1-hour Venice webinar , you’ll be led on a virtual walk around the city, learning about iconic sights such as St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto Bridge, Murano and the famous gondolas. 

It’s a great chance to chat with a Venice connoisseur , so make sure you have all your questions at hand!

3) Free Tour of Doge’s Palace

Google Arts & Culture is a great way to explore many of Italy’s best sights and museums for free.

If you want to virtually travel to Venice , one of the best tours on offer is that of Doge’s Palace. You approach the Palace from the water, gliding under the iconic Bridge of Sighs connecting the Palace to the former prisons nearby.

Afterwards, you can enter the palace, wander the corridors and explore its luxurious rooms, taking a close look to some of the most notable artworks like Carpaccio’s Lion of St. Mark. 

You can find many other Venice museums on Google Arts & Culture, including Ca’ Rezzonico – Museum of the 18th Century, Museo Correr , and the legendary Biennale .

4) Explore a Squero

Google Arts & Culture is not just for museums! You can also learn about local crafts and traditions – for example, you can virtually visit a Venetian squero , workshops in courtyards hidden throughout the city where gondolas are built by hand.

Florence Virtual Tours

5) Florence Highlights Webinar

If you’ve visited Italy in the past, or you’re considering doing so, I’m sure Florence features in your travel plans.

Did you know you can explore the best Florence highlights in just one hour, without having to worry about the heat and the crowds? This Florence webinar offers the perfect intro to places like the Florence Duomo, Ponte Vecchio , the most famous squares in the city, and naturally Michelangelo’s David!

There’s also a Q&A session at the end , with a Florence guide at hand sharing local tips – so you can start planning your future visit!

6) Free Uffizi Virtual Visit

If you only have time to visit one place in Florence , it would have to be the Uffizi Gallery . This art gallery shows the best artworks of the Italian renaissance, including the two famous Botticelli masterpieces – The Birth of Venus and The Primavera . 

The Hypervisions section of the Uffizi website offers a high-tech virtual experience, allowing you to visit specific rooms or explore individual artworks. There are also virtual tours you can follow , and all images shown can be enlarged up to 40 times to appreciate even the smaller details.

7) Uffizi Gallery Virtual Tour

Sure, exploring by yourself is all well and good- but to really make the most of your time at the Uffizi, it’s better to visit (even virtually) with a guide. 

This virtual tour of the Uffizi Gallery takes place twice a week. Over the course of two hours, you’ll explore the life and work of Renaissance masters like Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Botticelli with a local Florentine art historian, broadcasting from their home in the heart of the city. 

You’ll also learn about pictorial techniques and about life in Florence during the Renaissance , plus a lot more – you’ll just have to join to find out. 

Rome Virtual Tours

8) Colosseum Virtual Tour

I mean, who hasn’t dreamed of visiting the mighty Colosseum , the symbol of the power of Ancient Rome?

The history of the Colosseum is one of light and darkness, or death and glory, symbolised by the feared and revered Gladiators , who battled to their death amidst these ancient walls. 

This virtual tour of the Colosseum is an hour-long journey to this ancient Roman arena and its history, accompanied by a licensed guide and Rome expert . Get ready to discover the Colosseum from different viewpoints, and to learn secrets and curious facts.

9) Vatican Virtual Tour

This tour focuses on the two most famous attractions in the Vatican – St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. 

Over the course of an hour, you’ll be introduced to their history and treasures. The tour starts with the Basilica , learning about its architecture and artworks like Michelangelo’s Pietà , before moving on to the Museums and admiring some of the best exhibits. 

You’ll end your exploration at the Sistine Chapel – get ready to be amazed!

10) Sistine Chapel Virtual Tour

If you want to know more about the Sistine Chapel and the genius of Michelangelo, this dedicated tour is for you! You will learn about Michelangelo’s life and work , about the symbolism hidden in the various parts of the chapel, and about life in Rome at the time.

However, this is not all – for centuries, the Sistine Chapel has been the location of the Conclave , the papal election. During the tour, stories about the Conclave and its rituals will also be shared.  

11) Discover Ancient Rome

When I say ‘Rome’ , what do you think? If Ancient Rome is your answer , you’ll love this virtual tour !

Over the course of one hour, you’ll be led on a virtual walk through some of the most iconic Ancient Rome locations, which survive to the present day. Start with the Colosseum , and its dark tales of gladiators and intrigue; then move onto the Palatine Hill , to learn about the foundation of the city. 

You’ll also explore the Roman Forum , where you’ll journey back to the time of the markets and of Caesar’s assassination. 

Other Virtual Tours of Italy

12) Milan Duomo Virtual Tour

Italy is full of beautiful churches, but if you asked me what the most beautiful one is, I would respond with no hesitation – the Duomo of Milan !

True, I am from Milan, so I guess I am biased – but there’s something special about our cathedral , its façade with statues and spires, its interiors with stained-glass windows, and the amazing rooftop terrace. 

If you want to know more about our Duomo, you can have a look at GetYourGuide’s FREE Milan Duomo Tour! It’s a wonderful 20-min video, narrated by a licensed Milan guide, covering the locations visited during traditional Duomo tour. Find the free Duomo tour (along with many others) on GetYourGuide’s The World At Home page ! 

Looking for other ways to explore Milan from your home? Have a look at our full post about Milan virtual tours!

13) Pompeii Virtual Tour

Pompeii is probably Italy’s most mysterious town , frozen in time at the moment when it was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. 

It’s also one of those places in Italy that is best explored with a guide, to learn not only about the town’s history and tragic demise, but also about life and culture at the time of Ancient Rome. 

This amazing virtual Pompeii tour does just that – in one hour, you’ll travel to the heart of Southern Italy with a guide, who will bring the history of Pompeii and its inhabitants to life. 

14) Introduction to Italian Wine

Think about Italy. What drink comes to mind? More than likely, the answer will be wine – but how much do you really know about Italian wine?

If the answer is ‘not much’ , that this virtual wine tour led by an Italian sommelier is just what you need. You’ll learn about the history of wine in Italy and the difference between Italian wine regions , focusing on those surrounding Venice, Florence, and Rome. 

After taking this tour, you’ll know what wine to order when visiting Italy!

15) Wines from the Past

The love Italians have for wine is not a recent fashion – it stretches over thousands of years, to the time of Ancient Greeks and Romans. Back then, wine was consumed differently compared to now , most of the times with the addition of honey and spices or fruit. 

Wine and history lovers will love this Wines from the Past virtual tour , available on Airbnb Experiences, led by an archaeologist from Naples. Over the course of an hour, you’ll learn about the history of wine in the Italian peninsula , from the times of Pompeii to the Renaissance. 

You’ll also prepare different types of spiced wine to enjoy with your family and friends, and find out about ancient cuisine!

Virtual Italian Cooking Classes 

16) Online Pizza Cooking Class

True, you can have pizza nowadays these days, but after taking this online pizza-making course with Italian chefs you’ll sure impress your friends at your next dinner party!

You’ll learn how to make perfect pizza dough , but not only – the chefs will also reveal the history of pizza in Italy, and how the famous ‘Pizza Margherita’ came to be. There will also be time to ask about the perfect toppings, but remember – pineapple is not allowed!

17) Online Pasta Cooking Class

After pizza, there comes pasta! Learn about Italy’s most famous export in a fun, interactive virtual pasta cooking class , where you’ll find out all the secrets on how to make pasta from scratch. 

The chefs will also teach you how to make their favourite sauces , and there will be time to ask them to share their nonna’s cooking secrets. Trust me, your dinner parties will be very popular!

18) Online Tiramisu Class

No Italian meal is complete without a dessert, and Italy’s most favourite is definitely tiramisù!

Originally from Venice, this delicious mascarpone and coffee concoction can now be found all through the peninsula – and thanks to this online tiramisù class on Airbnb Experiences , you can learn how to make it in just an hour and a half!

Spoiler alert – making tiramisù is super easy and also very, very rewarding. The only challenge will be making sure you share it with your family and friends, rather than just eating the whole thing!

Airbnb Experiences also offer many more online Italy experiences – like a Medici escape room to learn about Florence history in a fun way, a themed tour about Caravaggio in Rome, a pasta cooking class with an opera singer and a lot more.

If you’re not on Airbnb yet, sign up using this invite link to get credit you can use towards your first online experience!

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Research, Explore, and Plan: 7 Travel Websites That You Must Visit

I n today's digital age, planning a vacation is both an art and a science. With the sheer volume of information available online, pinpointing the best travel resources can be as challenging as choosing your next destination. Whether you're a seasoned traveler looking to streamline your itinerary or a first-time explorer eager to make the most of your journey, you need the right tools at your fingertips. This article delves into the top five travel websites that stand out for their comprehensive features, user-friendly interfaces, and exceptional planning capabilities. From hidden gems to the most bustling metropolises, these platforms are your gateways to creating unforgettable experiences.

Ubuntu Travel

Ubuntu Travel Group is renowned for its commitment to providing bespoke luxury safari experiences across Africa and Antarctica. Rooted in a deep love for African wildlife and cultures, the company designs each journey to reflect the unique desires and expectations of its clients. The team's dedication shines through in their meticulous planning and attention to detail, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience. Ubuntu Travel Group’s offerings cater to a range of interests and occasions, from romantic getaways to adventurous family excursions.

Here are the various trip types Ubuntu Travel Group specializes in:

• Honeymoon Safaris : Tailored for newlyweds seeking a romantic and unforgettable start to their marriage in the wilds of Africa.
• Family Safaris : Perfect for families wanting to experience Africa’s natural beauty and wildlife together.
• Big 5 Safari Tours : Designed for those aiming to see Africa's famed Big Five animals in their natural habitats. 
• Great Migration Safaris : Offers a front-row seat to one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet.
• Private Groups : Custom safaris that cater to the specific needs and preferences of private groups.
• Luxury Antarctica Safaris : Explore the untouched landscapes of Antarctica in unparalleled luxury.
• Conservation & Community : Focuses on trips that contribute to conservation efforts and community wellbeing.
• Special Interests : Safaris that are tailored to specific interests such as photography, birding, or cultural immersions.

The company emphasizes the importance of their detailed inquiry form, which helps them gather essential information to tailor each safari to the individual's interests, enhancing the personalization of each journey. 

Journey Mexico

Journey Mexico is a multi-award-winning luxury travel company that curates and seamlessly operates tailor-made, luxury travel experiences throughout Mexico. With a focus on providing an end-to-end luxury travel experience, Journey Mexico leverages local knowledge and years of expertise to create unforgettable journeys. They know all the hidden gems, dine at authentic local restaurants, and embody the spirit of Mexico.

Journey Mexico sets astronomically high standards, working only with the finest hotels, villas, and guides in the country to provide flawless service. Their uniquely personalized itineraries come with the added value of trusted expertise, seamless service, and 24/7 in-country support. Whether you seek a relaxing beach holiday, an enriching cultural experience, or an adventurous off-the-beaten-path excursion, Journey Mexico has the knowledge and expertise to craft the perfect luxury vacation.

Unique Selling Points

• Multi-award-winning luxury travel company
• Tailor-made travel experiences throughout Mexico
• High standards and flawless service
• Personalized itineraries based on individual preferences
• 24/7 in-country support

Custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers for interior destinations (such as Mexico City, San Miguel Allende, and Oaxaca) and $1,800 per couple for beach destinations.

Ultimate Driving Tours

Ultimate Driving Tours offers a luxurious experience for motoring enthusiasts and those who appreciate high-end travel. Their tours allow guests to drive a selection of supercars on some of the world's most scenic and challenging roads. They provide VIP hospitality at some of the most exciting Formula 1 races and offer the chance to race on iconic circuits like Nurburgring and Spa.

Each journey is designed to combine the thrill of driving with luxury, featuring lavish accommodations, gourmet dining, and curated lifestyle experiences. Ultimate Driving Tours creates award-winning luxury holidays that span various global destinations, including Europe, the Americas, and Australasia.

Key Features

• Supercar Driving Adventures: Drive a range of supercars on top roads.
• VIP F1 Hospitality: Exclusive access and premium hospitality at F1 races.
• Iconic Circuits: Experience legendary tracks like Nurburgring and Spa.
• Luxury Accommodations and Dining: Stay in luxurious hotels and enjoy gourmet meals.
• Global Destinations: Tours available across Europe, the Americas, and Australasia.

Ultimate Driving Tours combines a passion for motoring with an appreciation for the finer things in life, making every journey a bucket-list experience.

ArtViva offers high-quality tours and experiences across Italy, focusing on unique and authentic encounters. Their portfolio includes romantic proposals, weddings, Michelin chef experiences, exclusive after-hours museum visits, and personalized trip planning. They provide access to castles, luxury villas, and top hotels, ensuring a memorable and luxurious stay.

ArtViva’s tours are crafted to showcase the best of Italy’s culture, history, and cuisine. Their expert guides bring each destination to life, offering insights that go beyond the typical tourist experience. Whether exploring the art of Florence, the canals of Venice, or the ruins of Rome, ArtViva ensures an enriching journey.

• Unique Tours: Offers romantic proposals, weddings, and Michelin chef experiences.
• Exclusive Access: After-hours museum visits and private tours.
• Personalized Trip Planning: Custom itineraries tailored to individual preferences.
• Luxury Accommodations: The portfolio includes castles, luxury villas, and top hotels.

ArtViva combines local knowledge with a passion for Italy, creating unforgettable travel experiences that cater to the discerning traveler.

Discover the vibrant wonders of Asia with Asia Tours , where tailor-made private tours reveal the rich tapestry of the continent. Their comprehensive itineraries cover cultural, historical, and natural highlights across various countries, including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, China, Japan, Nepal, and Bhutan. Asia Tours caters to different travel preferences, providing personalized and unforgettable experiences.

• Custom Itineraries: Tailor-made tours to match individual preferences.
• Diverse Destinations: Includes top spots across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and South Asia.
• Family-Friendly Options: Memorable experiences suitable for family vacations.
• Beach Holidays: Stunning beach destinations for a relaxing getaway.
• Luxury Experiences: High-end travel with exclusive services and accommodations.

Asia Tours excels in offering unique and varied experiences, from exploring bustling cities to relaxing on pristine beaches. Their deep local knowledge ensures travelers experience the authentic essence of each destination. With a focus on quality and personalization, Asia Tours promises a seamless and enriching journey.

Embarking on a journey is more than just moving from one place to another; it's about discovering new cultures, encountering unique landscapes, and making memories that last a lifetime. The five travel websites featured in this article are more than just tools; they are your partners in adventure, offering insights and functionalities that go beyond conventional trip planning. By leveraging these platforms, you not only enhance your travel experience but also gain access to a world of possibilities. So, bookmark these sites, set your sights on new horizons, and prepare to transform the way you travel. Safe travels and happy exploring!

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ഷെംഗൻ വീസ നിരസിച്ചതിലൂടെ ഇന്ത്യക്ക് 109 കോടി രൂപ നഷ്ടം

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യൂറോപ്പ് യാത്ര ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നവർ നിർബന്ധമായും ഷെംഗൻ വീസയെക്കുറിച്ചും കേട്ടിട്ടുണ്ടായിരിക്കും. എന്നാൽ, കഴിഞ്ഞ വർഷം ഇന്ത്യയിൽ നിന്നുള്ള യാത്രികർക്ക് കാര്യമായ സാമ്പത്തിക തിരിച്ചടികളാണ് നേരിടേണ്ടി വന്നത്. ഷെംഗൻ വീസ അപേക്ഷകൾ തള്ളിയതിനെ തുടർന്ന് ഏകദേശം 109 കോടി രൂപയാണ് ഇന്ത്യൻ യാത്രികർക്ക് നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടത്. 9,66, 687 ഷെംഗൻ വീസ അപേക്ഷകളിൽ 1,51,752 അപേക്ഷകളാണ് തള്ളിയത്. അതേസമയം, വീസ നടപടിക്ക് വേണ്ടി വരുന്ന ചെലവും മറ്റും അപേക്ഷകരിൽ നിരവധി ആശങ്ക ഉയർത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ട്.

വീസ അപേക്ഷ നിരസിക്കപ്പെട്ടാൽ അടച്ച പൈസയെങ്കിലും തിരികെ ലഭിക്കുമോ?

ഓരോ വീസ അപേക്ഷ നിരസിക്കുമ്പോഴും വീസാ അപേക്ഷാ ഫീസ് പിഴയായി ഈടാക്കും. അതുകൊണ്ടു തന്നെ യാത്രക്കാർക്ക് ഓരോ വീസ അപേക്ഷ നിരസിക്കപ്പെടുമ്പോഴും അത് സാമ്പത്തികമായ ബാധ്യത കൂടിയായി മാറുകയാണ്. ഓരോ വർഷം തോറും ഫീസ് വർധിപ്പിച്ചു കൊണ്ടിരിക്കുകയാണ്. അതുകൊണ്ട് തന്നെ യൂറോപ്പ് സന്ദർശിക്കാൻ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്ന ഇന്ത്യക്കാർക്ക് ഇത് കൂടുതൽ സാമ്പത്തിക ഭാരമായി തോന്നും. ആഗോളതലത്തിൽ തന്നെ ഏറ്റവും കൂടുതൽ ഷെംഗൻ വീസ നിരസിക്കപ്പെടുന്ന രാജ്യങ്ങളിൽ തുർക്കിക്കും അൾജീരിയയ്ക്കും പിന്നിലായി മൂന്നാം സ്ഥാനത്താണ് ഇന്ത്യ. വീസ ഫീസ് ഇനത്തിൽ മാത്രം ഏകദേശം 1172 കോടി രൂപയുടെ നഷ്ടമാണ് ആഗോളതലത്തിൽ ഉണ്ടായിരിക്കുന്നത്.

അവ്യക്തമായ യാത്ര ഉദ്ദേശ്യം പ്രധാന കാരണം

ഷെംഗൻ വീസ അപേക്ഷ നിരസിക്കപ്പെടുന്നതിൽ പ്രധാന കാരണം അവ്യക്തമായ യാത്രാ ഉദ്ദേശ്യമാണ്.  കൂടാതെ രേഖകൾ സമർപ്പിക്കുന്നതിലെ അപൂർണതയും സാമ്പത്തികശേഷി തെളിയിക്കുന്നതിന് ആവശ്യമായ തെളിവുകൾ ഇല്ലാത്തതും വീസ നിരസിക്കാനുള്ള പൊതു കാരണങ്ങളാണ്. കൂടാതെ നേരത്തെ വീസ നിരസിക്കപ്പെട്ടിട്ടുണ്ടെങ്കിൽ അതും പ്രതികൂലമായ തൊഴിൽ ചരിത്രങ്ങളും ഉയർന്ന തോതിൽ വീസ അപേക്ഷകൾ നിരസിക്കാൻ കാരണമാകുന്നു.

വീസ ഫീസിൽ വർധന

അടുത്തിടെ വീസ ഫീസ് വർദ്ധിപ്പിച്ചത് സാമ്പത്തിക ബുദ്ധിമുട്ട് കൂടുതൽ രൂക്ഷമാക്കി. ഷെംഗൻ വീസ ചെലവിൽ 12 ശതമാനം വർദ്ധനവാണ് യൂറോപ്യൻ കമ്മീഷൻ 2024 ജൂൺ 11ന് പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചത്. ലോകമെമ്പാടുമുള്ള ഷെംഗൻ വീസ അപേക്ഷകരെ ഇത് വലിയരീതിയിലാണ് ബാധിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത്. അപേക്ഷാഫീസിൽ നേരത്തെ 80 യൂറോ ആയിരുന്നത് 90 യൂറോ ആയിട്ടാണ് വർധിപ്പിച്ചത്. അതായത്. 7000 രൂപയിൽ നിന്ന് 8000 രൂപയായാണ് വർദ്ധിപ്പിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത്. നേരത്തെ, ആറു മുതൽ 12 വയസ് വരെ പ്രായമുള്ള കുട്ടികൾക്ക് 40 യൂറോ ആയിരുന്നത് 45 യൂറോയുമാക്കി.

അതേസമയം, തങ്ങളുടെ പൗരൻമാരെ സ്വദേശത്തേക്ക് മടക്കി കൊണ്ടു വരുന്നതിൽ വിമുഖത കാണിക്കുന്ന രാജ്യങ്ങൾക്ക് വീസ ഫീസ് ഇനത്തിൽ കുത്തനെയുള്ള ഫീസ് വർധന അഭിമുഖീകരിക്കേണ്ടി വന്നേക്കാം. ഏകദേശം 135 യൂറോ മുതൽ 180 യൂറോ വരെ ആയിരിക്കും ഈ രാജ്യങ്ങളിൽ നിന്ന് ഈടാക്കുന്ന വീസ അപേക്ഷ ഫീസ്. ഓരോ മൂന്ന് വർഷം കൂടുമ്പോഴും ഷെംഗൻ വീസ കോഡിന് കീഴിൽ നടത്തുന്ന യൂറോപ്യൻ യൂണിയൻ വീസ ഫീസ് അവലോകനത്തെ തുടർന്നാണ് ഈ തീരുമാനം. ഷെംഗൻ വീസയ്ക്ക് അപേക്ഷിക്കുന്നതിനുള്ള ഫീസിലുണ്ടായ വർദ്ധന സഞ്ചാരികളിൽ വലിയ സാമ്പത്തിക ആഘാതമാണ് സൃഷ്ടിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത്.

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Disney unveils a bunch of plans at D23 events. Here's what's panned out.

• The Hatbox Ghost arrived at Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion last November.
• Tiana's Bayou Adventure opened at Magic Kingdom this June and will open at Disneyland later this year.
• Disney Cruise Line's newest private destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, opened this June.

It's one of the most exciting times of the year for Disney fans .

The D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event kicks off Aug. 9 in Anaheim, California. The biennial gathering of official Disney fan club members is where Disney unveils major announcements spanning its experiences and entertainment. While some plans are more immediate, other "blue-sky" ideas take years to materialize.

Before we discover what's next for Disney's parks and Disney Cruise Line, let's see where last year's Destination D23 announcements stand as well as carryover plans from 2022's D23 Expo .

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• The Hatbox Ghost arrived at Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion last November . Disney had said the longtime Disneyland Haunted Mansion icon would appear at Disney World last year.
• Tiana's Bayou Adventure opened at Magic Kingdom this June and will open at Disneyland later this year. While Splash Mountain's reimagining wasn't initially announced at D23, details were released at D23 events.
• Last year, Disney revealed that the iconic  Country Bear Jamboree would be reimagined this year with new country versions of popular Disney songs. The bears' new show debuted July 17.
• The new Pirates of the Caribbean -inspired lounge announced last year is still in development.
• Expansion plans shared in 2022 for a land "beyond Big Thunder Mountain " remain in development.
• The walk-through edutainment attraction Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opened as scheduled last October.
• The nighttime spectacular " Luminous The Symphony of Us ," first announced in 2022, debuted last December.
• EPCOT's World Celebration also opened as scheduled last December. The final piece of the park's years-long transformation , CommuniCore Hall and Plaza , opened this June.
• Last year, Disney announced Test Track  would be being reimagined in partnership with Chevrolet. It closed this June.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• At the D23 Expo in 2022, Disney revealed that it would be retheming Dinoland U.S.A. Last year, Disney said the land will be reimagined after the "tropical Americas" with new "Encanto" and Indiana Jones experiences under consideration. Plans are still in development. In the meantime, Dinoland U.S.A. remains open.
• Last year, Disney revealed a "Zootopia"-inspired short is planned for the Tree of Life. For now, it's still " It's Tough to be a Bug! "
• Asha from the animated film "Wish" began making appearances at Disneyland, EPCOT and Disneyland Paris last year, as announced.
• Disneyland's reimagined Pixar Place Hotel , which was mentioned at 2022's D23 Expo, opened this January.
• As announced, RunDisney races returned to Disneyland this January for the first time since the pandemic.
• Last year, Disney revealed that Ahsoka would join the Star Tours attraction at Disneyland, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Paris. New scenes featuring Ahsoka, Mandalorian and Andor debuted this April.
• Plans are still underway for a new multiverse centered attraction coming to Disney California Adventure Park's Avengers Campus .

Disney Parks abroad

• World of Frozen opened at Hong Kong Disneyland this past November, as scheduled.
• Shanghai Disney Resort opened its new Zootopia land in December, as planned.
• Fantasy Springs , the largest expansion at Tokyo Disney Resort since the opening of Tokyo DisneySea, debuted this June. D23 attendees were given previews in both 2022 and 2023. Tokyo Disneyland's Space Mountain closes July 31 for a previously announced overhaul that wraps in 2027.
• Disneyland Paris reopened its reimagined Disneyland Hotel this January. Fans got a sneak peek at D23 Expo in 2022. The resort's coming World of Frozen and Tangled-themed attraction, Raiponce Tangled Spin, were also teased that year, but we know they're park of a much larger transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure Park.

Disney Cruise Line

• Disney Cruise Line began sailing from Australia and New Zealand last year, as previously announced.
• Disney Cruise Line's newest private destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , opened this June. Disney shared details on the Bahamian destination at both last year's Destination D23 and 2022's D23 Expo.
• The cruise line's sixth ship, the Disney Treasure , will launch this December. Its name was revealed at the D23 Expo in 2022.
• Last year, Disney Cruise Line unveiled the name of their seventh ship, the Disney Adventure . When it debuts next year, it will be Disney's first ship to sail from Singapore across Southeast Asia. The name of Disney's eighth ship, the Disney Destiny , has already been announced.

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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First-class trip on Singapore Airlines sparks debate online: ‘I wouldn’t know what to do’

‘ironically that’s too much space,’ one viewer argues, article bookmarked.

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A man’s first-class trip aboard a Singapore Airlines flight has sparked debate online, prompting conversations about luxury travel .

On June 6, TikTok user Pitor, known for his detailed travel vlogs and vacation highlight reels, posted a lengthy video, recapping his experience on Singapore Airlines. The video , which has now garnered more than 45.2 million views on the app, takes curious users along through his flight. From arriving at the aircraft entrance to exiting at his destination, Pitor showcased every amenity in his high-cost trip, and viewers were in awe.

To start, Pitor filmed himself boarding the plane. Immediately, he was greeted by flight attendants who insisted on showing him to his seat (cubicle, really). One woman took him down the carpeted aisle toward the front of the plane, stopping in front of a closed-off nook.

A padded recliner, a small television, a desk, and a vanity all fit inside his booth with more than enough space for leg room. Moments after Pitor settled in, an attendant approached him with a glass of champagne. The travel blogger sat on the edge of his seat, sipping the drink as he looked over the extensive menu of food options that would be offered throughout the flight.

Pitor decided on chicken skewers over a bed of lettuce, all served over a white tablecloth dinner set-up. After he finished eating, the flight attendant revisited his nook – this time to make his bed. On the opposite side of the chair, a padded platform was unfolded and covered with a light comforter and pillow.

The lush passenger changed into his pajamas before climbing onto the bed, turning on the TV, and closing his eyes. In the morning, Pitor visited the bathroom. The spacious compartment was lined with bright lights and divided into sections: the toilet and the seated vanity.

“Experiencing luxury at 30,000 feet! First-class on @SingaporeAir’s A380 is a dream come true,” Pitor’s caption read.

While the opulent travel affair wasn’t anything Pitor wasn’t already used to, his viewers were blown away by the lavish ordeal. Shocked TikTok users flooded his comments section, admitting they’d never seen a flight experience as grand as Pitor’s on Singapore Airlines. Others questioned whether they’d be comfortable with such luxurious treatment.

“Here is your seat; you mean my apartmenttttt,” one viewer joked, while another quipped: “I feel the same way when I get the window seat on the ‘Exit Row’ on SPIRIT.”

An honest individual admitted: “I wouldn’t know what to do. I feel like I would try to help the flight attendants or give over stimulated thank yous every five seconds.”

“To have a bed on a plane would be the dream... literally,” one woman added.

A fourth noted: “I would stay awake all night just to make sure I did fair to all my pennies.”

“Two of these flights and I’d have a house deposit,” one viewer guessed. One woman thought: “Ironically that’s too much space! I’d feel like I was trapped in my hotel room.”

Some viewers confessed they were familiar with the airline, noting how this classy treatment was typical for most flights. “I’ve flown Singapore Airlines many times. Worth every penny,” one traveler argued.

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